Central and Selbyville show off defenses

By John Denny
Staff Reporter

	Coastal Point • ERNIE TURPIN Drew Hitchens prepares to put his head down and charge the Sussex Central defense on Thursday, Nov. 3.

The Sussex Central/Selbyville Middle School football game is usually their first taste of an intense rivalry but the schools’ war of attrition dates back to 2001. Since then, the Indians and Knights have won a game apiece and tied twice.

Their Nov. 3 match-up lived up to past pigskin wars and, under the bright lights of Indian River football stadium, the game ended in their third tie, at 0-0.

The Knights moved the ball well on the legs of running back Randy Brittingham, but his 75 yards on seven carries and an interception wasn’t enough to earn a win. Five times the Knights turned the ball over inside the Indians’ red-zone (three fumble recoveries and two four-and-outs) but none was more important than a fourth-and-2 play on the Indian 10-yard line late in the fourth quarter.

“The defense has been the heart and soul of our team this year,” said Indians offensive coordinator Tim Clausen.

The Knights took over on downs due to a high snap to Indian punter Cory Showalter and, despite the success Sussex Central achieved on the ground, they decided to pass the ball. Three of their four plays were passes and the Indians sacked Shane Miller on fourth and short to force the turnover.

Selbyville fullback Drew Hitchens shouldered the final two Indian running plays, to earn 49 yards on 11 carries to lead the team. Hitchens didn’t earn a carry until the second half, but his coaches made up for lost time and put the ball in his hands. He carried the ball on 10 of 16 plays on their opening drive of the second half.

“We were a little leery giving Drew the ball so much in the second half, but Central over shifted to our strength so we let Drew pound them,” said Clausen.

Quarterback Justin Rines tossed two interceptions on 2-7 passing but redeemed himself by recovering two fumbles. He also applied the heat on the Knights’ signal caller on their last drive, forcing a critical incompletion.

Indians defensive back Deshawn Godwin saved his team from falling behind on the first play of the second quarter by breaking up a pass intended for Brittingham in the end-zone. Clausen said he wasn’t surprised that the Knights passed in key situations or for trying to get the ball to their playmaker — Brittingham.

“We weren’t surprised at all that they wanted to pass,” said Clausen. “They’ve always passed the ball well and they run good routes. But the kids gave up their lunch periods to watch film and we worked our coverages. Deshawn just made a great play on their best player.”

While the Indians did not win the game, it’s better than losing, according to Clausen. “We were on our 8-yard line with less than a minute to play. And the question is, do you go for it.” said Clausen. “But anything can happen — like a high snap — so it’s an accomplishment to tie the game.”