Back in the Groove......

After a two-week break that felt more like a bye-month, the Venice Indians finally returned to Powell-Davis Stadium — and reminded everyone why Friday nights are better under the lights.

It wasn’t always pretty, but Venice found its footing in the second half, powering past Bishop Verot for a 27-12 win and its first victory of the season.

 

If the Indians could’ve cashed in on their early chances, this game might have been over by halftime. Instead, the offense sputtered and stalled, twice coming up empty inside the Vikings’ 5-yard line. Bishop Verot happily took the gift and grabbed a 3-0 lead on a field goal.

 

That’s when quarterback Sean Long decided it was time to wake things up. He found Tyree Mannings Jr. on a short pass, and Mannings turned it into a highlight-reel touchdown — breaking tackles, zig-zagging, and putting Venice ahead 7-3 at the half.

 

Second-Half Rhythm sets in...

 

After halftime, Venice looked like a different team. Long and Mannings teamed up again for an eight-yard score, thanks in large part to Dorien Jones, who ripped off a 45-yard run that had the crowd roaring.

 

The Vikings kept things interesting with another field goal, trimming the lead to 14-6, but Venice answered with a flurry. Jones punched in a five-yard touchdown, and backup running back Ira Dale put the exclamation point on the night, sprinting 24 yards to the end zone with under four minutes left.

 

The Real Difference Maker..de-fense!

 

The Indians’ defense wasn’t just good — it was stingy. Four turnovers, three interceptions, and a clutch fumble recovery by Irell Dale kept the Vikings from ever taking control. And let’s not forget Asharri Charles, who spent so much time in the Vikings’ backfield (three sacks) he might as well have paid rent.

 

Venice’s ground game was rolling: 241 rushing yards on 37 carries. Jones led the way with 94 yards and a touchdown, while Long chipped in 68 rushing yards to go along with his 140 passing yards and two TD tosses. Mannings Jr. was "Mr. Reliable", hauling in nine catches for 76 yards and both scores. 

 

After opening the season with a loss and then sitting idle thanks to bad weather, Venice needed this one. The win not only puts the Indians at 1-1, but also sets the stage for a big showdown against undefeated Port Charlotte next Friday.

 

But for now at least, Venice fans can rest easy — their team is back in the win column, and looking more like the powerhouse we’ve come to expect.