Indians football extended its win streak to three games by defeating Petersburg 41-27 Friday. Gar-Field's defense was responsible for two scores early in the first quarter: Xavier Roscoe scored on a 33-yard fumble recovery five minutes into the game, and Joseph Whitfield scored on a 23-yard fumble recovery less than two minutes later. A 16-yard touchdown run by Shakeem Copeland made the score 20-0 with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter; the extra point was missed. The Indians finished with 198 total yards on the ground; Copeland led the team with 130 yards and two touchdowns; he averaged 6.5 yards per carry.

Senior quarterback Ryan Mason also had a solid game completing 4-of-8 passes for 74 yards, which included a 19-yard touchdown to Anthony Strothers midway through the second quarter. Mason also had a 12-yard touchdown run at the start of the fourth quarter.

For at least one game, Gar-Field has managed to reduce penalties and mental mistakes. There were no turnovers and only eight penalties for a total of 45 yards, but if the Indians plan to walk away victorious after this weeks rivalry game against Woodbridge, that trend will need to continue.

“In rivalry games, the team that makes less mistakes is usually more likely to succeed,” said head coach Thomas Gryder. “We are getting better every week, and the kids are giving great effort.”

In Gryder's previous three seasons coaching Gar-Field he is 0-3 against Woodbridge. The Indians are now 3-1.

Golf

Gar-Field senior George Watkins shot a 5-over-par 41 to tie for second place in Thursdays golf match against Hylton, Potomac, Freedom, and Woodbridge. Although Gar-Field does not have enough players to form a full team, and therefore cannot compete in team play, Watkins and teammate Lawson Long consistently compete in the individual tournaments.

“George has been to regionals his freshman and junior years,” said coach Paul Weisner. “He has a really nice swing and is fairly consistent.”

The cold, rainy conditions of Thursday's match affected Watkins' play early, and he double bogeyed the first hole; however, he quickly gained his composure and pared the next hole, birdied the par-5 third, and pared the next four holes. Watkins also hit 5-of-9 greens in regulation, and on the par-3 seventh, Watkins sank a 50-foot put to save par.

“I didn't expect that to go in,” said Watkins when asked about the put. “That even surprised me!”

Long shot a 14-over-par 50.

The Cardinal District Golf Tournament is September 27, weather permitting.