Congratulations to Highland Springs, who captured the 5A State crown today in Charlottesville. Here's how they earned the right to play -- as captured by my wife Elizabeth for Recruit757.com last weekend.
Water is a common factor for the region surrounding both high schools. On Saturday, the fall line was a road to the state championship game.
Water is a common factor for the region surrounding both high schools. On Saturday, the fall line was a road to the state championship game.
Indian River is in Chesapeake, near the Great Dismal Swamp and surrounded by the Elizabeth River, a tributary of the James River. Highland Springs, a suburb of Richmond, was founded by a Bostonian during the Civil War. The natural springs from the regional climate convinced Edmund Read and his family to settle in our Commonwealth, giving the area a new name and inspiration.
Saturday’s game was equivalent to a geography-inspired lesson from the beginning to its end. After the loss, Indian River traveled home south and east. Highland Springs will make the final trip to Charlottesville representing 5A South against Stone Bridge.
An idea for the game summary came to mind during the drive from Hampton Roads into Highland Springs. This full-time geographic educator immediately welcomed a content-specific word for the 5A East matchup between the Indian River Braves and Highland Springs Springers. Instead of boring the sports enthusiast with the academic specifics, the key of a fall line is a river, a body of water that converges. Fall lines consist of hard rocks, slopes and waterfalls making it difficult for vessels to safely navigate.
Highland Springs’ (12-1) only defeat was to Hermitage, their first game during regular season. Coach Loren Johnson had an explosive arsenal of both offensive and defensive players. Indian River’s playbook included coverage for Springers running back D.J. Anderson and wide receiver Greg Dortch. The Springers offense averaged 42 points during the regular season and also in the post-season.
Indian River (11-2) arrived at Highland Springs’ Victor W. Kreiter Stadium as the visitor, surrounded by a sea of Springer black and gold fans who tailgated hours before the game. The Springers’ fan base was so certain it was their game, until the Braves’ number four appeared on the field. Indian River supporters soon followed and filled the stadium. Tavante Beckett, linebacker, at 6’1” and 235 lbs. entered , then, Jaquan Yulee, linebacker. Number 2, at 6’2 and 245 lbs.
As the teams tossed spirals, fans noticed the sheer size and speed of Indian River’s defensive line. Nervous chuckles and furious Google searches about Coach Ferebee’s Braves on phones commenced. Other names were mentioned in a whisper, along with their height. It was focused on quarterback Tyre Givers-Wilson (6’3) and running back Tyain Smith (6’0). It was concluded that if a team eliminated Mike Smith’s Hampton Crabbers from championship contention, the team possessed a powerful run-pass game and a strong defense.
Tyain Smith successfully scored a Braves touchdown in the second quarter.
Afterwards, Indian River was outplayed and outmatched by the Springers defense. The home team continued to dominate for yardage and points until game’s end. Greg Dortch caught 10 passes for over 200 yards and three touchdowns for Highland Springs. Juwan Carter completed 17 of 25 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Indian River managed only 200 total yards in Saturday’s matchup, while the Springers had 375 yards of offense.
The final score for the 5A South Final was Highland Springs 35 and Indian River 10. The Braves of Chesapeake should hold their heads with pride and accept praise from the 757 Football fan base for an exciting, action-packed 2015 season with an outstanding 11-3 record. The Springers, even more gracious in victory, acknowledged the heart, passion, and talent of Coach Glenwood Ferebee and his remarkable players seconds after the game ended. Highland Springs will now prepare for the 5A Championship game in Charlottesville Saturday, December 12.
FINAL: Highland Springs: 35, Indian River 10.
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