STARKE – The Keystone Heights Indians rallied late against Bradford County on Friday, Sept. 29 – not to win, but to avoid a shutout.

The Tornadoes (5-0), a contender for a state championship, Keystone Heights (2-3) got a late touchdown run from Cartez Daniels in a 48-6 loss.

In the first quarter, the Indians The Keystone Heights Indians may have lost in a hard-fought, 41-6 battle to a rock-solid undefeated Bradford Tornadoes that could compete for a state championship this season, but there were still bright spots along the way. 

With seven minutes remaining in the first quarter, linebacker Damien Dunlap picked up a big fumble recovery. In the second quarter, he did it again. Dunlap commended his defensive line, notably middle linebacker Zane Leger, who forced the ball loose both times.

“So my teammates were on point tonight, and my other linebacker, Zane (Leger), forced both of those fumbles. I just recovered it,” Dunlap said. Both opportunities led to unsuccessful counteroffensives for the Indians, but it kept the team resolved against a formidable Tornadoes offense.

The Indians came back after half-time with an eagerness to not go down without a fight. At the beginning of the third quarter, the Indians found footing to put together a massive drive. The Indians quarterback Ford Baylor led a memorable downfield march for Keystone Heights, bouncing several mid-range throws to tall, athletic wide receivers Wyatt Van Zant and Andru Seimer, keeping the drive’s ember burning.

A successful 16-yard post pattern from Baylor to, giving the Indians new life in the early stages of the game. Then, with 9:55 remaining in the second quarter, he did it again, giving the Indians a chance yet again.

But Dunlap didn’t give credit to himself. It was his teammates who helped him get the job done, and no one was more clutch than middle linebacker Zane Leger, who forced the ball into action. “So my teammates were on point tonight, and my other linebacker, Zane (Leger), forced both of those fumbles. I just recovered it,” he said. 

Then, at the beginning of the third quarter, the Indians put together the drive that earned their touchdown. It was quarterback Ford Baylor who pieced together a memorable downfield march for Keystone Heights, bouncing several mid-range throws to tall, physical, and athletic wide receivers Wyatt Van Zant and Andru Seimer, keeping the drive going in several key situations down the stretch. 

It was a 16-yard post pattern from Baylor to Seimer that put the Indians within striking distance in the red zone. with 6:45 remaining in the quarter, Keystone Heights advanced to Tornadoes’ territory on a pattern advancing the ball from their 49-yard line to the Bradford 35. Then, fifteen seconds later, Van Zant advanced the Indians to the Tornadoes 16-yard line on the same pattern. 

But it was Keystone Heights’ physical running back, Cortez Daniels, who finally marched the Indians into the end zone for a score on what originally appeared to be yet another failed attempt. On 3rd and 4third and fourth downs, Baylor was stuffed on a scramble attempt. The Tornadoes defense was determined to prevent the Indians from capitalizing on the opportunity.

Last chance on fourth down and under pressure, it was Keystone Heights’ physical running back who charged into the end zone.

Now, it was 4th and 4, and in the big moment, Keystone Heights head coach Steve Reynolds knew the name of his running back, Cortez Daniels. “It was fourth down. I knew we needed that, because it would be big for us. I just made sure to keep my legs churning and make sure that I got to the end zone,” Daniels said. 

The scoring drive gave a silver lining to what was a tough 48-6 loss.

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But one highlight was not enough. “The team and II and the team could have played a lot better,” Daniels said.

Dunlap agreed.

“It’s not what we wanted to end up, but it is what it is. We played with our hearts. Next week, we will recover and get better, study (our opponent) more, and just come prepared,” he said.

Keystone Heights has reason to keep its heads up for its homecoming game against Crescent City next week. The Indians squad has improved in many ways and the game against Tornadoes showed their fortitude against great adversity. Already matching last year’s win total, the Indians plan to continue their resilience in the race for the Already matching last season’s win total, an improved Indians’ squad will meet Crescent City next week at home. It will be an opportunity to get better, best last year’s win total, and stay alive in the race for the state playoffs.