FREEPORT — The Yellowjackets weren't about to let this one slip away.

In Freeport's two previous losses, they allowed 35 points in the final quarter. This time the Yellowjackets defense forced two fourth-quarter fumbles and preserved the 35-6 win over Northgate Friday night.

Cameron Betush ran 40 yards for a touchdown on the Yellowjackets' first drive of the game.

When Northgate answered with quarterback Bill Quinn's 49-yard scoring pass to Michael Lee on its second drive, it appeared Freeport was in for another dogfight.

It was not to be, though, as the Yellowjackets dominated the second quarter.

Freeport (1-3, 1-3) opened the second quarter at the Northgate 44 with first downs on three consecutive plays.

Matt Lucas hit Tyler Collins with an 11-yard pass, then running back Kirk Naedele busted out runs of 11 and 12 yards. Three plays later, Naedele burst into the end zone from the 3 for a touchdown.

Freeport sacked Quinn twice to force a punt and Naedele returned the punt 51 yards for a score.

The rout was on.

"We had a wall set up and it worked to perfection," Freeport coach Bill Dillen said.

After Northgate was forced to punt again, Betush ran 37 yards to the 4-yard line. Naedele fumbled at the 2, but Northgate fumbled it right back and Naedele redeemed himself with a 5-yard touchdown run.

Freeport led 28-6 at half-time before Naedele added a 12-yard score in the third quarter to make it 35-6.

Benefiting from the excellent field position their defense gave them all night, the Yellowjackets ran at will.

They were led by Naedele's 16 carries for 109 yards and four TDs.

Cameron Betush added 92 yards on four carries, along with a 26-yard reception.

Freeport alternated quarterbacks Matt Lucas and Tom Blythe throughout the game.

They passed only sparingly, but they executed the Freeport running game to perfection.

"They're good kids who bring different skills to the table," Dillen said. "I will evaluate the situation week by week as we go."

Northgate (0-4, 0-4) had limited success through the air. Quinn completed 5-of-9 passes, including three passes for 74 yards to Michael Lee. But the second-quarter Naedele explosion and the stifling Freeport run defense put them into a hole they couldn't escape.

Freeport allowed them nearly nothing on the ground — 29 yards on 32 carries.

"They beat us up front with their size and speed," Northgate coach Mike Pipak said, "They certainly didn't play like an 0-3 team tonight."