VERO BEACH – The Vero Beach football team dressed for battle Thursday night as they played host to the Treasure Coast Titans for the District 8 – 8A Championship.
The Fighting Indians wore their new red white and black camouflage uniforms in honor of U.S. servicemen and women who have been wounded in battle. Vero Coach Lenny Jankowski said it was great to have an event like this at a high school football game.
“Just before the coin toss I was shaking hands with the different members of the military and thinking about how much they do for us and our country,” Jankowski said. “We were proud to do that and in a district championship some of that stuff is forgotten and we don’t want to do that. We hope to do this in the years to come.”
Both Vero Beach and Treasure Coast had to make scheduling adjustments to play the district championship because of Hurricane Sandy and both settled on a Thursday night matchup at the Citrus Bowl. Vero Beach scored first after a Treasure Coast turnover with 3:19 left in the first when Vero quarterback Dalton Stokes through his 16th touchdown pass of the season to receiver Javonte Bagley and Vero led 7-0. Fourteen seconds later Titans kick returner Justin Williams took the ensuing kickoff to the house to bring Treasure Coast within one.
Vero’s Dravious Wright broke through the defense to block the point after and Vero led 7-6. Vero Beach had excellent field possession after they returned the kickoff to the Titans’ 30 yard line. With 1:16 left in the first Vero receiver Jamario Hunter outleaps a Titan defensive back for a 20 yard touchdown completion and Vero’s second score of the game.
Vero Beach had success with their running game in the second quarter with running back Roosevelt Spruill who was filling in for injured running back Jason Pierre who was sidelined with a broken leg. Spruill said he feels bad for Pierre but he wanted to do his best with the opportunity.
“I spoke with Jason before the game and told him I would be running for the both of us,” Spruill said. “I want the crowd to know I’m here and I’m going to carry this team and win.” Spruill’s determination took Vero down to the Titan’s two yard line where Dravious Wright carried it into the end zone for a 21-6 Vero lead with 6:42 to go in the half. Treasure Coast was able to put up three more points before the half on a successful 32 yard field goal with a 1:09 to go.
Vero Beach kept Treasure Coast off the scoreboard in the third quarter with a swarming defense and by blocking a 43 yard field goal attempt at the 8:53 mark. Vero Beach defensive captain Cole Ripple said the defense was hungry for a win.
“Everything was on the line tonight with the chance to be district champs,” Ripple said. “It’s something you always strive to do during the season. It’s great to have home field advantage and it’s great to play in front of our fans.” Vero Beach was able to find the end zone in the third after a 50 yard drive and a 2 yard touchdown run by Dravious Wright with 1:30 left in the third that put Vero up 28-9
In the fourth quarter the Vero Beach defense continued to shut down the Titans as Vero’s offense continued to find their rhythm. Stokes threw his third touchdown of the game when he hooked up with receiver Javonte Bagley on a five yard pass with 10:00 left in the game. Stokes wasn’t finished there. He hit Jimmy Williamson on a five yard pass for his fourth touchdown of the game and the 42 – 9 win. Stokes said his offensive line deserves the credit.
“The big guys up front gave me plenty of time to throw tonight,” Stokes said. We have a great unit and we worked together every practice to get better.”
With the win Vero Beach capture’s its first district championship since 2008 and their first district championship under Jankowski. “It feels great. It’s well deserved.” Jankowski said. “These guys have put in a lot of work going way back to the spring, through the summer, and obviously through the season. We came out won the game and I am proud of the effort all the way around. The kids deserve the win and they have been great to coach.”
The win gives Vero Beach home field advantage for the first round of the playoffs and avoid a three hour drive to Florida’s west coast.
Correction: The final score was 42-9.
