In 2004 Waco Reicher ended Northland's undefeated season by destroying the Cougars 44-6 in the state semi-finals. A week after clawing out a hard fought 24-20 victory over Southwest Christian in the regional final, NCS found themselves in a familiar position by playing Reicher Catholic again in the semi's. After Reicher's running back, Michael Witherspoon, took the opening play from scrimmage 84 yard for a score, things looked as if it was going to be a repeat of 2004. But this is a new year and a new Cougar team. The real "Black Swarm" limited Reicher to 74 yards and 3 more first downs the rest of the game, forcing 3 interceptions a long the way. Junior defensive tackle Scott Milbourn led the assault, constantly making huge play after huge play. NCS finaly took the lead for good after Austin Carnes intercepted Reicher's pass which led to an 11-play scoring drive capped off by a Clark Fangmeier 5 yard touchdown pass from Jeff Abt. Fangmeier played a huge game, adding 2 field goals, including a 42-yarder. The Cougars sealed the deal when Isaiah Castillo picked of Reicher quarterback Michael De La Rosa for the third time, 5 plays later, Abt plunged in over the line to make the NCS lead 20-6. The Northland defense played tough all the way to the end as Reicher threatened in the last minute, however an incomplete pass sealed the victory as Northland took a knee as time ran out. Northland now advances to its first ever football championship game, this Saturday at Floyd Casey Stadium at Baylor University in Waco. The Cougars will take on top-ranked Prestonwood Christian from Plano. Prestonwood enters the game with an undefeated 13-0 record. The Cougars improved to 10-1 with their win over the defending state champions, Waco Reicher. Northland's only loss, a 35-28 defeat to Division I state runner-up TCA-Addison in week 1. Game time is at 6:00 pm.