Antioch beats Pittsburg in Big Little Game, wins first football league title since 1984
Najee Harris dives over a Pittsburg defender, for the final touchdown by Antioch, making the score 44-35 in their Big Little Game victory on Saturday, November 7, 2015. photos by Allen Payton
High-scoring thriller is Panthers first victory in the rivalry since 2006
The Antioch Panthers celebrate their victory.
By Luke Johnson
It was the most anticipated Big Little Game of all time, and it exceeded expectations before a standing room crowd estimated at 7,000. Alabama-commit Najee Harris rushed for 268 yards and four touchdowns for Antioch High School to defeat host Pittsburg in a wild comeback, 44-42. The Panthers won their first League Championship in 31 years, and finished the season undefeated, 10-0.
#11 Duwon Boyd runs it in for a 2-point conversion.
“We knew we were going to be in a dog fight, so we expected all of this,” Harris said. “The feeling is unreal right now. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”
Harris’s teammate, Ryan Payne was a difference maker in the game by scoring two touchdowns on defense, a 45-yard interception and 15-yard fumble return.
A second fumble by Antioch within the 5-yard line, this one in the third quarter, was grabbed by Pittsburg. But on the first play following the turnover, Antioch forced a safety, which was the two point difference in the final score.
Two years ago, Antioch finished 1-9, and became an afterthought in the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL). But the team featured promising, young talent such as Harris, Payne, Nick Perry and Antioch’s all time leading tackler, Kobie Beltram.
“I worked so hard for this,” Beltram said with tears of happiness running down his face. “All that time dedicated at Malu Fitness has paid off. It was a great experience.”
Sign on the Antioch side.
Besides becoming BVAL Champs, Antioch achieved many milestones in this game. It was the first time the Panthers finished the regular season 10-0 since 1977; it was the first time they won the Big Little Game since 2006; and they also ended Pittsburg’s 18-game winning streak against league opponents.
Pittsburg’s offense was led by running back Montaz Thompson and wide receiver Dushawn Thomas, whom had three touchdowns a piece. Thompson also had 218 yards on the ground.
Late in the fourth quarter, Antioch quarterback Numan Najib connected with wide reeceiver Antione Tanner for 50 yards to set a up a crucial 9-yard touchdown run by Harris. It was only Tanner’s second catch of the year, and it gave Antioch much needed insurance at 44 points.
“I was nervous,” Najib said. “Coaches said, ‘It’s all on you, Numan Either you make this play or we are gonna give them the ball.’”
“Antoine kept telling me all year, ‘Pass me the ball,’” he addd. “I have never thrown it to him once the whole year… I saw him down the middle, I just threw it up to him and he did his thing.”
The fans in the Antioch stands went wild cheering “Yoc Boys, Yoc Boys,” the nickname for this year’s team.
Najee Harris interviewed after the game.
Unfortunately, the Big Little Game trophy was not brought to the stadium for presentation to the Panthers, following the game.
“I’ll have to pick it up on Monday,” said Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha.
North Coast Section Playoff seedings will be released Sunday. Antioch is favored to earn a top three position with a first round bye. Pittsburg, who finished the season 8-2, is expected to earn the fourth or fifth seed.
See more photos and videos from the game on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.
Allen Payton contributed to this report.
Antioch fans packed the stands to make it standing room only at the 97th Big Little Game victory over Pittsburg. They cheered “Yoc Boys, Yoc Boys” the nickname for this year’s team.
More scenes from the game:
Najee Harris gets the handoff from Quarterback Numan Najib.
the attachments to this post:
Najee Harris gets handoff from Numan Najib
Panther Cheerleaders
#11 Duwon Boyd runs in for the 2-point conversion
Make sure they remember sign
Antioch fans crowd stands.
Antioch wins team celebrates
Najee Harris interviewed after the game
Beat Pitt sign
