THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, December 15, 1995 TAG: 9512130135
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Cover Story
SOURCE: BY PATTI WALSH, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 115 lines
LAST SATURDAY IN Manassas, Indian River packed more drama into four quarters of football than an hour-long episode of ER.
But sweeter than any Emmy award-winning performance, the Braves brought home a Group AAA, Division 6 state championship with a 13-12 victory over C.D. Hylton that was decided on James Boyd's 29-yard touchdown pass to Sam Hardy with just 2:55 left in the game.
With the win, Indian River finally earned the respect it deserved.
Skeptics might say that the Braves got the luck of the draw. Without even winning their league - Indian River finished third in the Southeastern District - the Braves (12-2) were able play for the state crown by way of a weaker division, one that didn't include Deep Creek, Western Branch and Hampton.
But as far as Indian River is concerned, a win is a win. And this time, it was enough for Chesapeake's first state football title.
``We were fortunate to get into that division,'' Indian River coach Bob Parker said. ``We beat some good teams to get through it. But as far as luck, that's about as far as it goes.''
The road to the state championship began with Indian River beating some not-so-good teams and losing to even better ones. Indian River's schedule had the Braves matched against the likes of Norview, Maury, Lake Taylor, Wilson and Norcom through the first five games. At midseason, Norview was the only Braves foe with a winning record.
Indian River had only allowed two touchdowns in 16 quarters before Norcom drubbed the Braves for three periods. But Boyd, a junior quarterback, saved the day - and his team from humiliation - when he scored with 13 seconds left on the clock to beat the Greyhounds 26-20.
It was only fitting that Boyd, accustomed to playing hero, pulled his team out of the cellar when the Braves faced a third-and-25 from their own 10-yard line with 5:45 remaining in the state championship game.
``Coach told me this is my team and it's up to me to take 'em down the field,'' he said. `` If it's up to me, we were going to win.''
Boyd couldn't have been more on target - with either his instincts or his passing. He hit Hardy with a 22-yard pass to bring up fourth-and-3 and a tough call for the Braves' coaching staff.
``We were struggling and things looked grim,'' Parker said. ``Logic said to punt, but the kids wanted to go for it. We'd already come this far together so I had to go with them.''
Four plays later, the Indian River sidelines and stands were alive with jubilation.
For the game-winning touchdown, Boyd and Hardy hooked up on the same ``waggle'' play that had first put the Braves on the board.
``We punished 'em,'' Boyd said. ``They left the middle wide open.''
Added Hardy: ``I was open earlier and he overthrew me. I told him to just get me the ball and I'd get the yards. He just dumped it to me. I love playing with Boyd. I love him to death.''
Boyd's scoring pass to Hardy helped establish him as one of the all-time great playoff performers.
In the four postseason games, Boyd amassed 781 yards of total offense and was responsible for 13 touchdowns, nine rushing.
He has played in 10 playoff games in his career and has 821 yards rushing and 511 passing. He has nine touchdowns rushing, four passing and three receiving.
In 14 games this season Boyd passed for 1,497 yards and rushed for 804 yards. He scored 17 touchdowns and passed for 11.
``My emphasis going into the playoffs was to get the ball in his hands,'' Parker said. ``Of course he takes the snaps, but we wanted him to run more. It's a little tougher to do that in the league because he's so well noted.''
Where's Sam Hardy? Where's Sam Hardy?'' the well-wishers asked as they sought out the game's hero. ``He's already off to work,'' another joked, an obvious allusion to a Virginian-Pilot feature story on Hardy, who is married, has a child and works a job in addition to going to school and playing football.
Hardy had already put in a hard day at the office on the gridiron, then was plunked right in the middle of his teammates as cameras flashed.
Hardy had saved his best for last. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound senior caught five passes for 122 yards and made an interception that returned possession to the Braves with 2 1/2 minutes to play as Hylton threatened at the 39.
``It was either score or lose,'' Hardy said. ``It's great - my senior year and I haven't been recognized that much - to get to the last game of the season and blow up.''
Defensive tackle Chris Jones was one of the last players to leave the field. He relished the place where his football dreams had culminated.
Jones, who had two sacks in the final minute of the game, is one of 15 Indian River seniors who will end their careers with a state championship crown.
``I'm ecstatic,'' he said. ``It's bittersweet because I'm graduating. But if I have to go, this is the way I want to go out.''
As for the remainder of the squad - 22 will return next season - they've still got some unfinished business.
``I'm not going back to work to win the state championship,'' Parker said. ``That's a big chore. I'm going back to work to win the district.''
Stay tuned for next season. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos on cover by Christopher Reddick
Indian River's Braves finally earn the respect they deserve
Staff photos by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
Indian River players charge onto the field to begin their quest for
the Group AAA, Division 6 state championship.
Sam Hardy, the hero of the game, is carried away by his teammates
after winning the state championship.
Indian River coach Bob Parker, who made the tough calls in the
championship, shares in the jubilation after the game.
Indian River football fans braved the cold in Manassas to cheer for
their Braves.
by CNB