Russell, Gipson help Northwestern trounce Bishop Moore for return to state final
Calvin Russell Jr. excused himself from the postgame huddle, exhaling emotions from the realization that he just played his final game at Traz Powell Stadium. The scene was fitting for the star wide receiver, who helped Northwestern transform an early deficit into a 52-21 thrashing of Bishop Moore on Friday, placing the defending state champion Bulls back in the title game for the second-consecutive year.
“It’s getting to me,” Russell said. “But I went out with a bang. I wouldn’t go out any other way.”
The 3A state semifinal started similarly to the Bulls’ 2025 campaign, which began with an abrupt coaching change and quarterback departure in the shadow of their first state title since 2019. While many teams in that situation could’ve crumbled, the Bulls didn’t flinch. They put together a 13-0 season to return to the same stage. Now, only Jacksonville Raines (13-0), the team they beat last season in the final, stands between the Bulls and consecutive crowns.
“This was the mission the whole time,” said Russell, who hauled in seven catches for 89 yards and a score and returned an interception for a touchdown. “You can’t take your eyes off the prize.
“We knew what the main mission was. We stayed focused, stayed locked in and became a brotherhood.”
Unlike last week’s regional final win over rival Central, the Bulls offense was errant early on. The visiting Hornets blocked a punt on the Bulls’ opening drive, which was returned for a score by Trenton Gummer for a 7-0 advantage less than a minute into the game.
“I told the guys adversity will strike,” Bulls coach Jaquatin Victrum said. “I said: ‘They will make a play. It’s simply about how we respond to that adversity.’”
Turbulence awakened the defending state champions, who responded with 17 consecutive points and never trailed again. Alex Lima made a 25-yard kick for the Bulls’ first points. Irwin James ran for a 1-yard score five minutes later. Linebacker Khavon Gipson scored on an 18-yard interception return at the end of the quarter and the Bulls were rolling.
Bulls defenders devastated the Hornets offense, forcing five turnovers, which included ending four consecutive Hornets drives with interceptions in the second half.
“Defense wins championships,” said Gipson, who totaled two interceptions and a sack. “We have to set the tone. We have to bring the energy and get the group in it.”
Bulls quarterback Nieman Lawrence connected with Russell for an 11-yard score in the second quarter to propel a 24-14 halftime advantage. The Bulls, who leaned on Russell early, shifted focus to Travail Mathis and the running game in the second half to grind clock and secure the victory.
Lawrence threw a 7-yard touchdown pass to Nicholas Lennear midway through the third quarter. Mathis added 3-yard rushing score just before the start of the fourth. James scored on another 1-yard run to further increase the Bulls edge with 9:06 remaining. Russell was responsible for the final touchdown of the night when he snatched an interception and went 48 yards the other way less than two minutes later.
Lawrence completed 21 of 35 passes for 250 yards, two scores and an interception. Mathis ran for 148 yards and a score on 14 carries. Deondre Ponto and Jovani Louis joined Gipson and Russell with interceptions for the Bulls. Demarcus King registered a sack and forced fumble. Shane Rochelle and Robert McFadden also logged sacks.
“Everything we’ve been doing this season is a testament to the hard work we’ve been putting in throughout the year,” Lawrence said. This was our main goal through the season. Our hard work got us here. We are ready to finish it out.”
This story was originally published December 6, 2025 at 6:06 AM.