BY CHUCK DOWLING
Special to the Telegraph-Times-Monitor
The Keystone Heights Indians have made a living out of beating local rival Interlachen. However, the undefeated Rams are putting together a special season down the road. Although Keystone held a 12-6 lead at halftime, IHS would not be deterred and outscored the visitors 20-0 in the second half of what would be a 26-12 loss for the Indians on Sept. 23.
“This is a rivalry I have been a part of for a long time as a player and a coach, and I think that’s probably only the fourth time they’ve ever beaten us,” Head Coach Chuck Dickinson said, referring to the game’s he’s been a part of. “I told the kids regardless of records, this is a game we always expect to win.”
Even though the Indians (1-3) entered the game with just one win on the season, they showed their coach and the crowd that they were there to win. With all the injuries, Cartez Daniels was giving the run responsibility of carrying the rock early and often. Backfield teammate Vernell Jackson helped the cause as well.
“I tell the kids during practice every day that we are here for a reason and that they are one play away from being in the game and having to take that responsibility. We live by the philosophy of next man up around here,” Dickinson said.
After receiving the kickoff, Daniels begin his job as workhorse, but penalties kept the Tribe pinned deep in their own territory, and they were forced to punt from their own 28-yard line.
Neither team made much headway in the first quarter, which ended in a scoreless tie.
Ever relentless, the Indians began the second quarter with the ball in Rams territory at the 26-yard line. Daniels would then carry it to the 14 before a shoestring tackle saved it from being a touchdown. The Rams’ defense put up a fierce fight deep in their own territory, but Daniels ultimately punched it in on fourth-and-1 near the goal line. The two-point conversion was no good, but the Indians still led 6-0.
The Rams (5-0) would immediately answer, as they continued to throw passes out to the flat and try to take advantage of their speed. On first down from the 40, they did just that, getting a long touchdown run from Der’tavius Mack.
The game stood at 6-all before Daniels found the end zone again to put the visitors up by six heading into the locker rooms at halftime.
Daniels finished with 74 yards on 19 carries.
The second half began with the Rams meaning business. They came out firing on all cylinders offensively and defensively. They would go on to dominate the second half and score three unanswered touchdowns to keep their perfect record intact.
Interlachen gained a total of 261 yards to Keystone’s 158.
“The Rams are a pretty good football team, and once you lose momentum, it can be hard to come back,” Dickinson said.
Keystone quarterback Baylor Ford completed 3 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Darrion Grady had one reception for 33 yards.
Bryar Schenck finished with 90 all-purpose yards, including 66 yards on kickoff returns.
Jayden Goodman led the defense with eight tackles, while Grady, Jackson and Bo Overton each had seven. Grady also had an interception.
Tyler Anthony Rozier and Jackson Herman each had six tackles, while Sam Ulsch had five.
The Indians will open its District 6-2S schedule with a home game against Bradford on Monday, Oct. 3, at 7:30 p.m. The game was postponed from Friday, Sept. 30, due to Hurricane Ian.
Bradford (4-0) is coming off a 21-7 win over Class 1S Munroe, which scored the only points against the Tornadoes this season.
