Vero Beach Football Powers to 57-10 Victory Over East Ridge Knights

The Regional Quarterfinal Game Win for VB Moves the Team on to Region 3 Semifinals

Vero to Face Lake Nona – Friday, November 21^st 2025

The Citrus Bowl at the Billy Livings Field was filled with excitement for the Region 3 Quarterfinals football game. The Vero Beach Fighting Indians defeated the East Ridge Knights from Clermont (Lake County). The Knights actually took an early lead after a first possession touch down drive that featured a balanced run and pass attack. However, it would turn out to be the Knights only TD score of the night. The Fighting Indians went on to a dominant 30-7 halftime lead. The second half was much like the first half, with the Knights unable to keep pace with the undefeated Vero Beach team as they went on to score 37 more unanswered points in the second half. The Knights played hard for all 4 quarters. But the combination of Vero’s strong offensive line – who kept opening holes for the Indians running backs to run through – and the sure handed receivers who had large gains with yards after catches – was too much to overcome. The VB defense was stellar and included a first half two point safety when the defense had a gang tackle of the QB in the endzone. With this win VB goes to an 11-0 record, with four wins against Class 7a schools.

The Cheer and Spirit Groups lead the players on to the field at the Citrus Bowl.

Senior Efrem White had a big night rushing and receiving. Here he is on his way to the endzone.

Latravious Woods with lighting speed cuts is a very good running back.

The defensive unit celebrates scoring two points on a safety in the Knight's endzone. The play followed a Vero kick off that started the Knights on their own 2 yard line. — The defensive unit celebrates scoring two points on a safety in the Knight’s endzone. The play followed a Vero kick off that started the Knights on their own 2 yard line.

Vero has a lot of talented running backs and receivers. Here #9 Austin Banzhaf took a quick pitch to scramble around the defensive end and he headed to the endzone, but this TD was called back as were two others in the game.

Blocking down field - Latravious Woods, not only had a great night receiving and running, but his blocking efforts really helped his team mates with big gains. — Blocking down field – Latravious Woods, not only had a great night receiving and running, but his blocking efforts really helped his team mates with big gains.

7 PAT's on the night (1 miss on a penalty) - the kicking game was superb all night on KO's and PATS. There was seamless transition between the placeholder Austin Banzhaf and kicker Riley Swanson. — 7 PAT’s on the night (1 miss on a penalty) – the kicking game was superb all night on KO’s and PATS. There was seamless transition between the placeholder Austin Banzhaf and kicker Riley Swanson.

Champ Monds - dual threat run and pass - a difficult QB to bring down! He passed for 277 yards and 3 TD's. — Champ Monds – dual threat run and pass – a difficult QB to bring down! He passed for 277 yards and 3 TD’s.

A packed stadium really had an enjoyable fall evening - the 2,000 season ticket holders are an important part of the Vero support system. — A packed stadium really had an enjoyable fall evening – the 2,000 season ticket holders are an important part of the Vero support system.

The VB Marching Band - A dedicated group of musicians who bring so much to the great high school environment. — The VB Marching Band – A dedicated group of musicians who bring so much to the great high school environment.

Showcasing his talent on the field at half time with the Vero Beach High School Marching Band, Eli Rojas also showcased his talent on the OL all night long.

The VB assistant coaches all do a great job - and have a lot of insight into the game, and patience with the refs. Here a TD was called back, the second of the night. — The VB assistant coaches all do a great job – and have a lot of insight into the game, and patience with the refs. Here a TD was called back, the second of the night.

When 75 PLUS 55 = 6 points! The OL is thrilled to have one of their own score.

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Vero Beach passing: Dual threat running and passing: QB #1 W. Champ Monds was nearly flawless through the air, connecting on 21 of his 25 attempts. He finished the night with 277 yards and three touchdown throws.

 Vero Beach receiving: Sophomore wideout #4 Lat Woods led all receivers, pulling in eight receptions for 108 yards and two scores, giving Vero a consistent big-play threat.

 Vero Beach rushing: On the ground, the Indians produced 87 total rushing yards on 13 carries, averaging a strong 6.7 yards per attempt to keep the offense balanced.

 East Ridge passing: For the Knights, quarterback #1 Karon Palmer Jr. completed eight passes on eighteen tries, ending with 117 passing yards but no touchdowns.

 East Ridge rushing: The East Ridge run game struggled throughout the night, managing just 45 yards on 26 rushing attempts, an average of 1.7 yards per carry, which made it difficult for their offense to sustain drives.