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For the first two quarters of its County 4A League football game on Saturday, Northwestern High School was firmly in control. That, however, was before Mother Nature had her say.

Moving the ball efficiently on offense while keeping visiting DuVal scoreless, the Wildcats took a 6-0 lead into halftime. But sloppy play largely caused by a torrential second-half downpour saw Northwestern twice spot DuVal with excellent field position. The Tigers took advantage, scoring touchdowns on both possessions to come back for a 14-6 victory. DuVal improved to 4-4 with the win.

"We had a lack of discipline and a lack of following through," said Northwestern coach Bryan Pierre, whose team slipped to 2-6. "We had some guys who just lost focus."

Leading on the strength of an early 5-yard touchdown run by Augustine Sahr (15 carries, 35 yards), Northwestern punted from DuVal's 43-yard line midway through the third quarter. A short snap bounced through the mud to punter Derek Amenyendor, who couldn't get a firm grasp on the wet ball. Amenyendor eventually resorted to kicking the ball off the ground for a punt that traveled -1 yard.

DuVal running back Marcus Jackson broke to the left side of the field on the ensuing play, freeing himself for a 56-yard touchdown run to put the Tigers ahead, 7-6.

Trying to mount a comeback with time winding down in the fourth quarter, Northwestern quarterback Guillermo Herrera (8 carries, 53 yards) lost his grip on the ball while evading a DuVal blitz. Tigers' defensive end Jaquan Perry picked up the loose ball and took it to the Northwestern

12-yard line.

Two plays later, Ricardo Smith swept to the right side on a quarterback keeper for a 10-yard touchdown run.

With Northwestern trailing 14-6 and time running out, Wildcats' backup quarterback Diamond Hansford (1-4, 7 yards) attempted a Hail Mary pass. But the ball slipped out of his hands, and defensive back Hillman Degoh came up with the interception to the seal the game for DuVal.

Neither starting quarterback had much luck passing the ball. Herrera, who did have a 62-yard scramble to set up Sahr's score, completed just 2 of 7 passes for 9 yards. Smith, meanwhile, was 2 of 3 for 22 yards.

"It was just an ugly win," said DuVal coach Dameon Powell. "Our guys just fight to the end. They won't give up."

Both teams are back in action Saturday, when DuVal will return home to play High Point and Northwestern will host Laurel.