In a 36-14 win over Potomac on Friday, Gar-Field's football team displayed the type of balanced attack that it will take to move past the first round of the regional tournament. Quarterback Ryan Mason threw three touchdowns, all in the first quarter, one of which was a third-down, 61-yard strike to LaRon Hinton, who was wide open down the left sideline. David Bailey scored the other two touchdowns, one for 17 yards and the other for 50 yards. Mason finished the game completing 8-of-11 passes for 182 yards.

Shakeem Copeland contributed two touchdowns on the ground in the fourth quarter, one for 30 yards and the other for 25 yards. He rushed 20 times for 104 yards. Copeland also had two catches for 20 yards. Jordan miles was productive from the backfield as well, with five carries for 48 yards. The Indians rushed a total of 33 times for 161 yards.

Through eight games, Gar-Field (6-2, 3-1) has outscored opponents 58-31 in the first quarter, which has allowed the Indians to wear down opponents with the running game in latter periods.

Gar-Field committed only five penalties, compared to 13 penalties the week before against Forest Park. The offense was responsible for only two penalties for a loss of 10 yards against Potomac.

To top off the evening, Mason was voted Homecoming King.

Volleyball

Indians volleyball lost in straight sets to both Forest Park and Osbourn Park last week and now has a record of 4-7 (3-7). Height has been a challenge for Gar-Field all season, which has hindered its blocking and the ability to score with hard kills. At 5-foot-11, Day'ona Bowden is the tallest player, but has missed most of the season with an ankle injury. She returned to play last week, but will need more practice to regain her edge. Senior Kianna Vivanco has stepped up her leadership role over the last half of the season and now has more than 100 kills this season.

“Our intensity level continues to fluctuate, and our communication was lacking [against Osbourn Park],” said coach Kelli Wilson. “The drills in practice run well and it seems as though they are helping the girls be better volleyball players, but the greatest challenge has been blocking and simply moving our feet to the ball to get good passes.”

Gar-Field concludes the season with games against Freedom and Hylton this week.