the Cafe
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If the Indian River football team breaks out of its six-year funk and
posts a winning record in 1998, it will likely have experience to thank.
The Indians will field one of their most seasoned teams in years and, for the first time since 1991, may be in position to contend for the Henlopen South title and a state playoff berth.
"We've got just about everybody back," head coach George Bethard said. "I think we have a chance to be competitive."
Leading the way this season is senior quarterback Shawn Watkins, who enters his fourth year as the starter.
Watkins added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason and appears determined to resurrect an IR team that has gone just 21-39 since reaching the Division II state final in 1991.
"I want to go out on a winning season," he said, noting IR has won just nine games in his three years as starter.
It's obvious Watkins has come a long way from the overwhelmed freshman who started his first game in 1995.
"When I was 14, I was starting against Cape Henlopen in the first game," he said. "Now when I go out there, I'm confident. I know my reads when I'm passing. I'm comfortable in the Wing-T."
Bethard is thrilled at having an experienced signal caller leading the team into battle.
"I count my blessings all the time. I just hope he steps up and has a good game," he said. "I expect him to step up and be a leader."
Watkins will work behind an experienced offensive line that features seniors Shane Phillips (RG) and Billy Reese (RT) and two-year starter Matt Mitchell, a junior center. Guard Nick Heim and tackle Jason Winterling, both juniors, will round out the line.
The group will also clear the way for the solid running back tandem of Antoine Stratton and Ryan Shelton, both seniors. Sophomore Buster Belote and junior Ivory Richardson will also see action in the backfield.
Watkins will throw to senior tight end Kendrell Marshall and a pair of promising young receivers - sophomore Brock Dean and freshman Terrez Spence.
Since most starters also play on defense, the Indians will be experienced on both sides of the ball.
A number of players engaged in an offseason conditioning program and seem determined to bring IR back into contention in the Henlopen South.
To do that, however, the Indians must go through three-time division champion Delmar and a senior-laden Laurel squad.
"It's real hard for me, I just want to win," Bethard said of the team's recent losing ways. "If they all stick together and work hard, I think it will be tremendous."
Watkins believes there is no better time for the Indians to reverse their fortunes.
"Now the guys have a lot of game time and know what to expect," he said. "This is make-or-break now, we have to perform."
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