VERO BEACH — The Fighting Indians faithful celebrated the man for which their field is named at the Citrus Bowl prior to kick off against West Boca Friday night. Many of those in attendance wore black ribbons that read “Remember the Legend” in honor of beloved football coach Billy Livings who passed away last October at age 75.
Several of Livings’ family members were in attendance including Rosie, his wife of 55 years. Florida State Representative Debbie Mayfield presented the Livings family with a plaque that commemorated Coach Livings’ dedication and commitment to the Vero Beach community.
Before the presentation Vero Beach Coach Lenny Jankowski said it was going to be a special night.
“This is an inspirational game for our team as we honor Coach Livings,” Jankowski said. “It’s an honor to be here and be a part of it.”
Livings coached at Vero Beach High School for 26 years and coached the team to its only state title in 1981.
The Fighting Indians came into Friday night’s game ranked 7th in Class 8A according to the latest AP poll.
West Boca should have come and gone quietly and the Fighting Indians would have extended their record to 4-0. But the Bulls and the weather had other plans.
West Boca returned the opening kickoff 40 yards and scored first on a 43-yard field goal by Bulls kicker Brandon Leon with 9:33 to go in the first quarter.
Vero Beach had their initial touchdown called back with 3:17 to go in the first for an illegal man down field. Vero quarterback Brandon Stokes then connected on a 15-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Jimmy Williamson 45 seconds later for a 7-3 Fighting Indians lead.
In the second quarter West Boca’s offense continued to produce results after they intercepted Stokes at the 10:20 mark. West Boca converted on a third and long and advanced the ball even further on a Vero Beach personal foul that led to a 2-yard touchdown run by the Bull’s Zach Miner. That put West Boca back on top 10-7.
The Bulls picked Stokes off again in the second with 3:46 to go and began to mount another offensive when the game was stopped with 1:05 left in the first half due to foul weather.
Both coaches discussed making up the game at a later date.
Vero Beach will host nationally ranked Fort Pierce Central Thursday night at 7p.m.