Leemen win early S. Valley matchup

By Corine Gatti

Published: August 22, 2008

STAUNTON — Robert E. Lee defeated Fort Defiance 40-18 in both teams’ season opener Friday night at Gypsy Hill Park.
The Leemen took control early in the game leading 13-0 at the end of the first quarter. The second looked just as bad for the Indians, who suffered a turnover when the football slipped from quarterback Daniel Wright’s arms. Lee’s Terrell Mickens scooped it up and scampered 30 yards for the score, giving Lee a 20-0 lead.
The Indians, however, capitalized on a Leemen turnover when Wright connected with Cody Despar to put the Indians on the board.
Lee was in the driver’s seat going into the lockerroom.
Scott scored three touchdowns before halftime.
The Indians rode a wave of momentum that they caught after scoring back-to-back touchdowns to make it 20-12 in the third quarter.
Lee answered back on a successful drive to make it 27-12. Fort added another touchdown on a 30-yard sprint by Ryan Hutsenpiller to bring the Indians closer 27-18.
“I was getting upset,” Scott, said. “We were losing ground fast and I told the defense, if you come through I will take care of the rest.”
He did.
In the third quarter Scott added two more touchdowns and ran for 105 yards to seal the victory for Lee.
“This was a good team, I have a lot of respect of what they did tonight,” said Lee coach David Tibbs.