Devin Brown already has his sights set on the future, and the William Floyd standout can really help them get there.
“We had to win to show everybody that we’re still capable,” the senior wide receiver and defensive back said. “We can get all the way to the Long Island championship.”
That lofty dream doesn’t look that far off, especially with Brown grabbing two interceptions and a touchdown in William Floyd’s 34-6 home-opening win over Walt Whitman Sept. 14.
The Colonials looked good right out of the gate. On the second play from scrimmage, junior running back Jezayd Hall (110 yards and two touchdowns on four carries) took the ball 79 yards after breaking to his right off a would-be tackler for an early advantage. The two-point conversion attempt failed, but that didn’t stop William Floyd from making moves. After a quick three downs, the Colonials once again converted a chance into points. This time, senior running back Tyshawn Lopez (127 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries) was on the move, taking the ball 27 yards for the second score of the quarter with 4:10 still on the clock.
“It felt good to do something,” Lopez said. “I’m not living in the shadows. I’m doing what I’ve got to do.”
Nick Lombardo, who was perfect on the afternoon, nailed the extra-point attempt to extend William Floyd’s advantage, but a Valen Richardson touchdown catch for the Wildcats with 24 seconds left cut the lead to 13-6 heading into the second.
Brown grabbed his two interceptions within minutes of each other, and although the Colonials couldn’t capitalize on either of his chances, the senior was finally paid for his hard work with a 23-yard touchdown run with 52.4 to go in the first half.
“I knew the quarterback was iffy,” Brown said. “And we knew they passed a lot, so we were looking toward those. I was just trying to make good plays on the ball. I couldn’t have done what I did without everyone else helping.”
Lopez started off the second half with more reasons to celebrate, putting the game on ice with a 25-yard touchdown run.
“We wanted to keep on driving,” he said. “The line kept pushing and nobody gave up. We gave it our all every down, and that’s all I can ask for.”
Darius Arrington had six tackles and one sack and Joe Daleo added six tackles. Lopez said it feels good to be back, adding that everything for his team is starting to click.
“The wind seems to be blowing our way,” he said, smiling. “We want to take this all the way; continue to be great.”
