The Nansemond River football team fell victim to the big play capability of the Indian River Braves on a night in which it seemed the Warriors’ defense was incapable of making plays.

The Warriors started the game on a bad note when starting quarterback Steve Skinner went down with a leg injury. The Warriors’ starting wideout Morris Johnson took over quarterbacking duties and led NR on its longest drive of the night. The Warriors didn’t manage to score when they attempted a fourth down conversion at the 10-yard line.

“I wanted to go back to receiver, but I felt I had to step up,” Johnson said, referring to playing quarterback, “Skinner is a big aspect of our offense, and it’s a big role to fill.”

Skinner returned in the second quarter and finished 4 of 8 for 43 yards. Johnson finished 3 of 5 for 40 yards and also had three receptions for 37 yards to lead the Warriors.

The Braves had no problem gaining yards against a Warrior defense that was missing it’s leader in tackles, Conner Czanlanski, due to suspension. VanDyke Jones scored on the Braves’ first play with an 85-yard touchdown rush.

Antonio Brown proved to be the Warriors’ main problem on defense scoring four touchdowns, two through the air, one on a pitch, and a kickoff return. Brown had 75 receiving yards, and 50 rushing yards.

The Braves did most of their damage in the first half scoring five touchdowns, all of them on plays 50 yards or longer.

“The major problem wasn’t necessarily the big play, it was missed tackles. The better we get at tackling, the more we’ll compete. We just have to keep working on it in practice.” Warriors coach Tracey Parker said.

Nansemond River’s lone touchdown came midway through the fourth quarter on a 6-yard rush by Lamont Brown. Brown finished the game with 59 yards on 19 rushes.

Nansemond River (1-4,0-4) are at home next Friday against a Deep Creek team which dropped to 0-5 with a loss to King’s Fork on Friday.