Two Indian River High School football teams were recently honored in the state capital in Dover.
On Thursday, March 20, the Unified flag football and varsity gridiron squads were both invited to Legislative Hall to be recognized by the Delaware Senate, Delaware House of Representatives and Gov. Matt Meyer.
State Sen. Gerald Hocker made remarks to the state Senate on behalf of the Unified team’s grassroots efforts to have a Unified football program at the school, according to the team’s assistant coach, Loriann Sentman.
“Mr. Hocker complimented the team’s determination to raise funds for the necessities required in having a team” when the school board was unable to provide funding, said Sentman. “Gov. Meyer also congratulated the Unified team, acknowledging what a feat it is to win a championship in their inaugural season.”
The Indians defeated Caesar Rodney at Delaware State University on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, 45-32, to win the state title.
Unified football is a Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association-sanctioned sport that provides high-school students with and without disabilities the opportunity to train and compete in sports, experience inclusion, socialize with their peers and participate as a true student-athlete.
IRHS Unified football head coach Jamaal Bivens said of the recognition that he was “overwhelmed by the amount of positivity our Unified athletes were shown on Thursday. This season, our athletes put forth an endless amount of dedication and determination, on and off the field,” said Bivens. “It was gratifying to see this level of recognition for them.
“The memories that they are building are priceless and will last a lifetime,” he added. “Sen. Hocker and Rep. Ronald E. Gray rolled out the red carpet for their alma mater. They went above and beyond to ensure our student-athletes were made to feel special and respected. We look forward to returning to Delaware’s capital to give the Unified basketball team the same experience.”
The Indians’ Unified basketball team also won the state title this season, after defeating Caesar Rodney, 35-34, in the championship game on Sunday, March 9.
The IRHS Unified flag football team gathers for a photo at Legislative Hall in Dover. The team was recognized and honored at the state capital by state officials, including state Rep. Ron Gray and state Sen. Gerald Hocker.
Sentman said she appreciated the warm welcome the team received at Legislative Hall.
“The Unified athletes are grateful for these opportunities. They put in work at practices and games,” she said. “Our athletes trained to be the best versions of themselves, athletically and morally. To be recognized in the same capacity as other varsity teams sends a positive message to the community about the importance of and promotion of inclusion. Thank you to all the staff that made this a great experience for our student-athletes.”
Indian River Unified football student-athlete Brayden Benneth said he was thankful for the opportunity to go to Legislative Hall.
“It was a unique experience that not everyone gets to have,” said the junior. “Meeting our elected officials was pretty amazing. I am glad our coaches organize these special events for us.”
Bennetch’s brother, Kyle, also enjoyed being welcomed to Dover “by the governor, senators, and representatives. “It was awesome that our government leaders wanted to recognize our accomplishment of winning the state championship,” said the junior. “Overall, it was a cool experience to have as a team.”
IRHS varsity football team also recognized
On Thursday, March 20, the IRHS varsity gridiron squad was invited to Legislative Hall to be recognized by the Delaware Senate, Delaware House of Representatives and Gov. Matt Meyer.
The IRHS varsity football team was also recognized on Thursday, March 20, for winning the third state title in school history. The Indians came from behind to defeat previously undefeated and defending Class 1A state champion Tatnall, 47-45, at Abessinio Stadium in Wilmington on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.
“It was great to be recognized by the governor and our legislative body,” said IRHS varsity football head coach Phil Townsend. “To be able to speak on the Senate and House floor about our accomplishment was great. The kids really enjoyed the recognition, and that’s what this is all about. At the end of the day, it’s all about the kids. They will cherish this memory for a lifetime.”
Junior linebacker Kyle Truitt said he enjoyed “the cool experience to see what the building looks like and what goes on inside.”
Teammate Chris Givens, a junior defensive end, said the trip was fulfilling.
“It was a new experience that I am looking forward to having again,” he said. “It felt great to be recognized by the State of Delaware.”
The IRHS varsity football team gathers for a photo at Legislative Hall in Dover. The team was recognized and honored at the state capital by state officials, including Gov. Matt Meyer, front-left.
Darnell Stokes Jr., the Indians’ explosive dual-threat running back and wide receiver, said the visit to Dover “was exciting — especially getting notice from the governor. While at Legislative Hall, the football team made a TikTok video, which was pretty funny and cool,” added Stokes, a junior. “The members of Legislative Hall were shocked at how we won the championship with the hook-and-lateral play.”
Trailing Tatnall by 45-41 in the waning minutes, the Indians — facing a 4th-and-11 predicament — opted for the hook-and-lateral trick play. Junior quarterback Dylan Grise hit junior Michael Peranteau with a short aerial at the Hornets’ 43-yard line. The wide receiver deftly flipped the ball to senior tailback Jayvion Chandler, who was racing along the sideline. Chandler sidestepped one defender, cut inside and then back toward the sideline before accelerating past several defenders for a 51-yard touchdown that put the Indians ahead with 1:31 remaining.
