The Independence Blue Devils varsity football team took home their first victory of the season against the Brooklyn Hurricanes on Friday, October 3rd, beating Brooklyn 28-6.
The Blue Devils prepared to suppress the excitement coming from the Hurricanes as this was their Homecoming game. They were also attempting to keep their 4-year win streak against Brooklyn alive. At the end of the first quarter, the score was 0-0. During the second quarter, the Blue Devils took the lead after #4 Sam Bernhardt scored a dominant rushing touchdown, taking the lead to 7-0. That same quarter, #3 Carter Howard scored a rushing touchdown as well bring the score to 14-0.
When the Hurricanes threw the ball, #51 Levi Sears intercepted the pass and took it down to the endzone for a pick six, making the score 21-0. Sears explains he and Coach Burns “studied a lot of film and noticed their O-line likes to move out early on screen plays.” This play brought the team’s momentum up. “When someone makes a big play like that, the whole team gets fired up. Defense plays harder, offense gets more confident, it really changes the energy of the game,” Sears added.
When asked about his reaction to his play, Sears responded, “I was kinda surprised this was actually happening.” he explained, “Then I just focused on running hard and making sure I didn’t drop the ball or mess up. It all happened so fast, but it felt unreal in the moment.” Following Sears’ play, #17 Jamie Panichi made the extra point, putting the Devils up 21-0!
After halftime, excitement and enthusiasm was heard coming from the crowds and a small student section who traveled to Brooklyn to support the Devils.
Toward the end of the game, Brooklyn scored a touchdown, earning 6 points, but the Devils did not let that bring them down. Bernhardt scored another touchdown, his second of the game, bringing the teams spirit back up. The Devils were filled with excitement as Panichi kicked the ball , earning the Devils one more point, finalizing the game 28-6.
Beating Brooklyn changed the Indy record to 1-8, making it the football team’s first win of the season!
