Northside and Perry renewed their county rivalry after a 25 year hiatus Friday night in the 2008 season opener for both schools. The Eagles entered the contest on a 30 game winning streak and as 2-time AAAA state champions, but the Panthers were not intimidated and were ready for a football game.

Perry consistently moved the ball on the Eagles the entire first half and outgained Northside 195 to 28 yards, but the Eagles actually led at halftime due to two defensive scores. Senior K.J. Morton intercepted a Perry pass attempt and returned it 35 yards for the Eagles' first TD of the season. After Perry tied the score, senior defensive lineman Anton Williams picked up a Perry fumbled and rumbled all the way to the endzone to put the Eagles back in front 14-7. Perry closed to within a point after scoring again but missed the extra point to make the score 14-13 in the favor of the Eagles at the half.

The second half saw a different Northside team take the field as the offense began moving the ball consistently on the ground behind the running of senior Xavier Bacon and the defense began slowing down the Perry running game. Bacon finished the night with 155 yards on 24 carries and 2 touchdowns. Sophomore Briar Van Brunt also added a rushing touchdown. Senior kicker Devon Pike was a perfect 5 for 5 on PATs and also added a field goal to round out the scoring for the Eagles. Perry never gave up and actually cut Northside's lead to 5 points in the fourth quarter before Bacon & Van Brunt scored to seal the victory for the Eagles.

Northside now faces Miami, Florida football power Booker T. Washington in a matchup of 2007 state champions next Saturday at the MAC.