IR kicks off season with a sloppy win

By Nick Roth • Staff Writer • September 10, 2008

LEWES — The Indian River High School football team opened the 2008 season with a sloppy 24-21 win over Cape Henlopen High School.

Carrying a 17-6 lead into halftime, it appeared the Indians would waltz back to Dagsboro with an easy victory. But that was not the case. As the comfortable lead quickly turned into a nail-bitter.

“We definitely have things to work on,” coach Jim Bunting said. “We have to keep momentum for all four quarters. Now, we have to get back to work and get ready for (Stephen Decatur) next week.”

Following an IR touchdown that extended its lead to 24-6, the Vikings exploded. The ensuing kickoff was returned 98 yards by Laquan Hazzard to cut into the lead. Then, quarterback Jack McPike found teammate Ryan Goodwin in the endzone to creep ever closer 24-19.

Then, with less than two minutes remaining in the game, the Indians voluntarily took a safety to prevent the Vikings from gaining good field position. The tactic paid off as IR senior Danny Bokinsky secured the win with an interception with less than a minute remaining in the contest.

“We started to get a little sloppy toward the end — our offense was cracking down and people started missing their blocks,” Foreman said, noting that the team must work elements such as that before next Friday’s game at Stephen Decatur.

nroth@dmg.gannett.com

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