THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 2, 1996 TAG: 9611020631
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C5 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY REA FARMER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: 52 lines
The Indian River defense stymied Deep Creek Friday night at Indian River, allowing only eight first downs and giving up no touchdowns in the Braves' 34-7 victory.
The lone Hornets' touchdown came on a defensive play when Deep Creek linebacker Kendall Watson recovered a fumbled pitchout and raced into the end zone.
``We played exceptionally well,'' junior guard Chester Newton said. ``Except for that fumble, I don't think Deep Creek would have scored. We shut them down. We just crushed them and we earned our respect.''
The Braves argued all week that the game was about respect. The defending Division 6 state champions have been ranked behind Deep Creek in area and state polls all season. To earn that respect, the defense wanted to stick to its game plan - shutting down Deep Creek quarterback Arnie Powell.
``The (Deep Creek) offensive line got frustrated,'' Newton said. ``Defense wins the game.''
``We just wanted to play intense defense and play as a team and collect the toll,'' linebacker Lance Bishop said. ``I wasn't surprised; I knew we could do it.''
James Boyd was deadly from both sides, pounding Deep Creek runners and then alternating quarterback responsibilities with Antwan Stukes.
``We knew we had the best defense,'' he said. ``We knew we had to come out and prove it. We have the best defense in the state. I thought the game would be closer; I thought their defense was better.''
GREEN EJECTED: At 10:11 of the third quarter, Deep Creek fullback James Green was ejected for a personal foul. According to referee Chris Brown, Green kicked a downed Bishop.
Green said he was simply trying to break free. Earlier this season, he underwent surgery on his ankle - Friday was his first game back in action. He said Bishop was twisting the still-weak ankle and he was trying to prevent further injury.
``He grabbed my ankle and started twisting it,'' Green said. ``I just had surgery on that ankle and there's not much strength in that leg. I accidentally kicked him trying to get away before I got hurt again. I told him I was sorry and tried to help him up.''
WHAT A CROWD! Fans literally piled into the Braves' stadium Friday, filling the seating and packing into the end zones.
The stadium was packed a full half-hour before game time and fans continued to file in throughout the first quarter. By the second half, people were lined three and four deep along the fences around the end zone.
``It's great,'' Bishop said of the crowd, ``but they don't play the game.''
Newton was obviously more impressed with the effect of the crowd.
``It was a big factor,'' he said. ``All our fans came out and watched the Braves down Deep Creek.'' by CNB