Blog Game Blog - Indian River 40, Nansemond River 20

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Greetings from James L. Frye Stadium in Chesapeake as it's a Southeastern District clash with Nansemond River (2-0) at Indian River (1-1) tonight.

It's a wonderful night for football....

We'll have updates here and via Twitter @hatfieldsports

 

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Nice crowd here. About set for kick-off...

 

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First-year Head Coach Marcus Ferebee couldn't have asked for a better start to this one.

 

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Nansemond River goes 3 & out on its first series that began at their own 25 after a fair catch on the kickoff. They tried to run it and to no success. The Warriors went with a trap play on 3rd & 10, but Joseph Jackson - a 5-11, 190 pound senior outside linebacker - was ready for it for no gain. Jackson also had a tackle for loss on that first series.

The punt for the Warriors goes only 23 yards, so Indian River is in business with excellent field position, at the NR 46, for their second series.

 

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Indian River converted a 4th & 1 by running up the gut, giving the Warriors a taste of their own medicine to an extent as Tony Higher gained 15 yards on his first four attempts, most of which were between the tackles.

It all set up the strike in the corner of the end zone to playmaker LaMareon James, who is a definite Player of the Year candidate.

 

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Still searching for their first advancement - a first down - of the night, the Nansemond River offense begins their third series at their own 33 with 6:17 left in the opening period. The double handoff is stopped right away with Teion Coston and company reading their keys to perfect.

After freshman QB Nolan James scrambles for 8 yards on 3rd & 10, the Warriors line up to go for it on 4th & 2...

 

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Indian River's third possession on offense this evening results in a 3 & out, largely because two penalties totaling 20 yards put took them from the Nansemond River 42 to in their own territory.

Zakai Minggia, the sophomore QB for Indian River who had some ups and downs the first two weeks against Northeastern (NC) and King's Fork, got off to a scintillating start - 3 of 3 for 104 yards with 2 TD's. He just had back-to-back incomplete passes.

A miserable 3-yard punt by Indian River, nearly blocked by the way, sets Nansemond River up with great field position at the Indian River 38-yard line with 3:18 to go in the opening stanza.

 

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Nansemond River is unable to capitalize on the great field position. That guy wearing jersey No. 2 for Indian River is all over the place, folks...

 

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All Indian River here, but the story for Nansemond River has been poor field position and two failed fourth down tries. They aren't out of this game by any means, especially given that Indian River is not kicking it deep and looks to be gambling here early in the 4thQ on a 4th & 4 from their own 40.

 

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The Braves convert the 4th down with a nifty run of 9 yards by Zakai Minggia. After that, LaMareon James rushes for 9 and Navy commit Tyrell Spruill picks up 27 on a run up the middle, showing his speed.

But the best play of the series came from Cameron Hunter...

 

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Nansemond River better capitalize on this decent field position, starting their fourth series at their own 40 with 10:34 until half-time.

 

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A second TD within 12 seconds of each other... not something you see every Friday night.



Tremendous play-call by OC Lew Johnston - the former Western Branch sideline boss that coached current Warriors head man Lew Johnston. Green was completely wide open, so much so that the Warriors were probably worried he might drop it he had so much time to gather the ball in as he made the catch and then ran the remaining 25-30 yards or so to paydirt.

Indian River takes over - for their 5th offensive possession - at their own 31 with 10:22 till the break.

 

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That came following an 18-yard reception by Cameron Hunter and 16-yard run from Tony Higher to put the Braves in Nansemond River territory.

 

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Indian River has a 250-71 advantage in total yards. The Braves have been very balanced with 137 of their yards through the air and 113 on the ground.

Nansemond River takes over at their own 44 following the kick-off. It's the 5th series of the night for Nansemond River and we still have 7:38 remaining in the second period.

 

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A demoralizing turnover for Nansemond River as they were going up-tempo with their NASCAR style offense, running the ball at a quick pace with X'Zavion Evans for big chunks of yards, forcing even the Indian River coaches to use a time-out to get the gassed defense a breather.

But for the second time tonight, the freshman QB Nolan James - this time resulting in a lost fumble as the previous one was recovered by lineman Payton Payne - is unable to handle the snap. The Warriors may look at some direct snaps if they were go with that pace again in this game.

 

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The Nansemond River defense forces a 3 & out and corner Brent Stratton - the Western Branch transfer - was big in that series with a key tackle on a screen pass to Tony Highther, then preventing another completion. A tunnel screen was dropped by the Braves on 3rd & 8.

After the Indian River punt, the Warriors take over at the 29-yard line of the Braves with 3:50 before half-time. Nansemond trails it 26-8, but can cut into it here with a golden opportunity.

 

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The hurry-up offense continues to work for Nansemond River, and if the Warriors get to the break only down 12, then Justin Conyers and company ought to feel alright because they'll get the ball to begin the 3rd period. Indian River would like to get more points in this SED shoot-out where it may take 50-plus to outlast the other team.

 

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What is so odd to me about this firs half is Indian River - with 150 yards passing - is throwing and doing so to chew up clock, whereas Nansemond River is running the ball at a rapid pace. Usually it's the other way around, but the strengths for each offense has clearly been defined, yet we've seen the Warriors hit a big pass play and the Braves get some effective running plays.

The Braves are looking at a 1st & 12 from their own 33 after a run by Tyrell Spruill that would've been about 40 yards or so is called back on a holding penalty.

 

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Head-spinning action here in Chesapeake. If you blink, you'll miss a big play... and maybe a touchdown!

 

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James just simply beat his defender over the top ... and he wasn't going to be caught.

The Braves convert the PAT with Alex Richardson. They've been using both him and Thaddeus Blackburn as their kickers tonight. And now it's Blackburn's turn to kick it off, it's fielded at about 20, where Braves senior Xavier Elliot makes a big hit on special teams.

Nansemond Rier starts at their own 27 with 1:07 left in the second quarter. That's plenty of time to get in the end zone in this one. Trust me.

 

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More numbers to chew on shortly... stay tuned!

 

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Some stats at the break....

Indian River 33:
Zakahi Minggia - 8-12 for 217Yds. 4-0 TD/Int. ratio; 3Car. 11Yds.
LaMareon James - 3Rec. 100Yds. 2TD's; 4Car. 20Yds.
Tyrell Spruill - 5Car. 54Yds. TD; 1Rec. 6Yds.
Tony Higher - 2Rec. 78Yds. TD; 8Car. 33Yds.
Cameron Hunter - 2Rec. 33Yds. TD
Joseph Jackson - 6 Tackles (3 Solo), TFL

Braves - 32 plays for 335 total yards (8-12 for 217 pass yards; 20 rushes for 118 yards); 0 turnovers; 5 penalties for 40 yards


Nansemond River 14:
X'Zavion Evans - 1-1 for 60Yds. 1-0 TD/Int. ratio; 9Car. 70Yds. TD
Nolan James - 2-4 for 15Yds; 5Car. 0Yds.
Mar'Keese Green - 1Rec. 60Yds. TD
Brent Stratton - 6Car. 14Yds; 1Rec. 3Yds; 3 Solo Tackles, PBU
Payton Payne - 5 Tackles (2 Solo), TFL

Warriors - 25 plays for 159 total yards (3-5 for 75 pass yards; 20 rushes 84 yards, 1 lost fumble); 1 turnover; 1 penalty for 5 yards

 

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It'll be Nansemond River ball to begin the 3rd quarter as they start at their own 45 following a solid kickoff return by Taylin Williams.

 

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On the first play from scrimmage, the former Deep Creek Hornet now wearing red and white for Nansemond River goes the distance on an impressive run you'd have to see to believe. He simply refused to go down.

 

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Cobb, who had over 20 sacks a season ago, was there for the recovery. Buckle your seat belt, fans.

 

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Just when X'Zavion Evans was running like a man possessed, the Wariors go away from him and throw a couple of incomplete passes following a holding penalty. They decide to punt it away - at least they're lined up to - facing 4th & 15 from the Indian River 45-yard line with 9:04 to go in the 3rd period.

A bad snap is finally fielded at his own 25 by Warriors punter Justin Martinez, who boots it away before he's gobbled up by multiple Braves.

Indian River takes over at the 32-yard line of Nansemond River. Now it's up to the Warriors' defense to dig them out of trouble.

 

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A nice job by Marcus Ferebee and the offensive play-calling staff, not forgetting about using Spruill and running the football.

 

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Protection broke down for Nansemond River, and it came not long after a starting offensive lineman for the Warriors - Keyshawn Lewis - went out with an injury. Not sure of his status and if he'll return, but the Braves are finding a spot to attack and they have guys that'll get after the QB.

Even after the graduation departures of Ben Smiley (UVA), Ah'Shawn Moore and Charles Dixon in that defensive front, we're seeing Pyles, Wallace, Cam Hunter, Lincorey Lucas and Teion Coston apply pressure.

 

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A rare three-and-out - quite possibly the first of the night (at least that I can remember) - and Indian River punts it away. It nets only 14 yards following the Brent Stratton return.

Nansemond River takes over at their own 41 with 3:01 left in the third quarter and the Braves ahead 40-20.

 

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Indian River gets a really important defensive stand, even though X'Zavion Evans continues to run hard for Nansemond River with 16 rushes for 181 yards and a couple of touchdowns tonight.

Ryan Pyles, Teion Coston and Cameron Hunter have been the main beneficiaries of this pass rush breaking things down for the Nansemond River offense. When the Braves have contained the running game to a minimal gain on first and second down, third-and-long (3rd & 8 or greater if you will) have not yielded positive results for the Warriors.

 

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On 3rd & 14 from their own 38 early in the 4th quarter - QB Zakai Minggia - had two open receivers. One was LaMareon James. He goes to the other guy instead, who drops the pass. The Braves will now punt it away and Nansemond River needs some type of jolt - either a blocked punt or big return - to tighten things up and strengthen belief they can rally.

 

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Nansemond River nearly muffs the punt, but on 1st & 10 from their own 33 with 10:57 remaining in regulation, the Warriors get some magic on their 4th possession of the second half. Freshman QB Nolan James heaves a chuck and pray pass if you will, and between two Indian River defenders, Mar'Keese Green somehow hauls it in for a gain of 17 yards at the midfield line. Another wacky play in this wild, back-and-forth SED affair.

 

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Facing a 4th & 1 from the Indian River 41-yard line, the Warriors convert - and if I'm not mistaken they were 0 of 3 on fourth down prior to that - with a run of 8 yards from Brent Stratton. He picked up 7 yards on a sweep the play before.

But the Warriors need another fourth down conversion. They face 4th & 15 from the Indian River 38 following a holding penalty and incomplete pass. Nansemond RIver has gone just 4 of 7 for 24 yards passing in the second half. The Indian River defense has made them one-dimensional.

 

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Pass rush is taking over in the second half for Indian River.

 

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Indian River lines up for a 37-yard field goal with 4:08 left in the game, facing 4th & 10 from the Nansemond 20-yard line. But the Warriors are called for offsides, their 6th penalty this evening. So Braves Head Coach Marcus Ferebee trots the offense back out there.

 

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Brent Stratton just broke off a 68-yard run to the 20 for Nansemond River. That puts him at 106 yards on the night.

A big tackle for loss by Noah Wallace on Stratton the next play, then it's Brent Strukes with a pass breakup in the end zone. Nansemond is looking at 3rd & 12 from the 22 with 2:58 remaining.

 

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Zany game as we saw 60 points put up on the scoreboard through the first 28:20 of action. Yet, over the last 19:40, neither team scored, which certainly worked in the favor of the host Braves, who got all 217 of their passing yards on eight completions before half-time.

A bugaboo of theirs in the past was penalties, but Indian River was flagged only once for 10 yards in the second half.

More to come later...

 

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Final Stats:

Indian River Braves 40: (2-1 Overall)
Zakai Minggia - 8-14 for 217Yds. (all in the 1st Half), 4-0 TD/Int. ratio; 8Car. 35Yds.
LaMareon James - 3Rec. 100Yds. 2TD's; 5Car. 19Yds; 8 Tackles (7 Solo)
Tyrell Spruill - 8Car. 71Yds. 2TD's; 1Rec. 6Yds.
Tony Highter - 15Car. 68Yds; 2Rec. 78Yds. TD
Cameron Hunter - 2Rec. 33Yds. TD; 6 Tackles (4 Solo), 1.5TFL, Sack
Ryan Pyles - 7 Tackles (3 Solo), 2.5TFL, Sack
Teion Coston - 6 Tackles (4 Solo), 3TFL, Sack
Jhi Nichols - 6 Tackles (4 Solo)
Noah Wallace - 2 Sacks

Braves - 48 plays for 424 total yards (8-14 for 217 pass yards; 40 rushes for 207 yards); 0 turnovers; 6 penalties for 50 yards


Nansemond River Warriors 20: (2-1 Overall)
X'Zavion Evans - 16Car. 181Yds. 2TD's; 1-1 for 60Yds. 1-0 TD/Int. ratio
Brent Stratton - 14Car. 107Yds. (8Car. 93Yds. in 2nd Half); 1Rec. 3Yds; 4 Solo Tackles, TFL, PBU
Nolan James - 5-13 for 41Yds; 10Car. Minus 22Yds.
Mar'Keese Green - 3Rec. 84Yds. TD
Payton Payne - 8 Tackles (5 Solo), TFL
Taylin Williams - 8 Tackles (5 Solo), 1.5TFL
Kole Williams - 7 Tackles (4 Solo), 1.5TFL
Joeziah Autrey - 7 Tackles (2 Solo), 1.5TFL, Sack

Warriors - 57 plays for 363 total yards (6-14 for 101 pass yards; 43 rushes for 262 yards, 1 lost fumble); 1 turnover; 6 penalties for 40 yards


* Both coaches indicated to me in post-game that they'll be getting their defensive studs back next week. Indian River will get back DE Antwaun Powell-Ryland, a Florida commit who was out because of a shoulder injury. It comes just in time before their showdown on September 28th against Oscar Smith. The Warriors will take on Great Bridge and it'll mark the season debut of LB Elijah Askew, who was sidelined the first three contests due to a leg injury.

 

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Postgame Video Interview with Indian River Coach Marcus Ferebee:

Indian River Coach Marcus Ferebee chats after his team doubles up Nansemond River 40-20 in a Southeastern District matchup on Friday, September 20, 2019 in Chesapeake.

The Braves have now won each of the last three regular season meetings with Nansemond River, who they also eliminated from the 2018 playoffs.

Ferebee, who is now 2-1 at the helm of the Braves, discusses the latest win and upcoming challenge on September 28th against rival Oscar Smith.