LASKER – The future is now for Northeast Academy football.

Dustin Deloatch ran for 121 yards and a touchdown while Drew Pinnix threw for 120 yards and another score as the Northeast Academy junior varsity football team opened their 2003 season here last week with an 18-8 win over visiting Lawrence Academy.

On their third snap from scrimmage, Northeast opened the scoring thanks to a 58-yard TD pass from Pinnix to Cole Vinson. The conversion failed, but the Eagles claimed an early 6-0 lead.

After Lawrence went ahead 8-6, Deloatch answered for Northeast as he busted up the middle for a 70-yard touchdown run. The conversion again failed, but the Eagles had the lead for-keeps at 12-8.

James Sykes sealed the win for Northeast when he recovered a bad snap on a Lawrence punt attempt in the endzone for a touchdown.

Sykes was one of the defensive stars for Northeast as he recorded 16 total tackles, including a pair of sacks. Jay Duncan (17 tackles), Deloatch (11) and Pinnix (10) were also credited by NEA head coach Jonathan Newsome with turning in key defensive efforts.

Adding to the offensive effort was Brodie Harrell who rushed five times for 22 yards.