Indian Land holds off 'Cats, 24-14

Photo by SCOTT POWELL Blacksburg defensive backs D.J. Geter and Josh Elmore combine forces to stop running back Breyon Williams in Thursday's 24-14 loss to Indian Land. Indian Land defensive back Ted Boston returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter Thursday to help Indian Land hold on for a 24-14 victory over Blacksburg.

Boston ran in the 2-point conversion with 1:19 left in the game. Defensive back Luke Lambert intercepted Blacksburg quarterback Darrell Walton on the next drive to seal the victory.

Indian Land built a 16-0 lead in the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Josh Camarire and a 11- yard run by running back Breyon Williams.

Blacksburg clawed their way back into the game behind an opportunistic defense that forced four turnovers and shut out Indian Land's offense in the second half.

Blacksburg defensive lineman Marquis Steadman caused two fumbles. Ryan Green recovered Steadman's second forced fumble in the end zone for a Blacksburg touchdown late in the first half.

Indian Land coach Michael Mayer credited the Blacksburg defense for his team's difficulties on offense in the second half.

"Blacksburg played well. They started

to run stunts on defense that really gave us some problems," said Mayer, a former Gaffney High assistant football coach. "We had a few turnovers. We were able to make some big plays on defense when we needed them."

Blacksburg pulled within 16-14 with 8:21 left in the third quarter. Wide receiver Rashad Earls caught a short pass from Walton and broke several tackles on his way to a 26-yard touchdown. Earls ran in the two point conversion following his touchdown.

The Blacksburg offense was unable to sustain any drives against Indian Land following Earls touchdown. Their best chance in the fourth quarter came when safety Dante Brown recovered a fumble to give Blacksburg the ball at the 44-yard line with 2:25 left.

Boston intercepted Walton's next pass in traffic and outraced Blacksburg players to help Indian Land earn its first win of the season.

Blacksburg head coach Mickey Moss is searching for more consistent play from his team.

"We aren't in any kind of rhythm on offense and defense. We have come out sluggish to start each ball game and then come out and played harder in the second half," Moss said. "We will go back to the drawing board on Monday and see what we can do to get better."