The Fighting Indians Win 49 to 23 Over the Dr Phillips Panthers

Dr. Phillips stunned the Citrus Bowl crowd on the very first snap of the game — a blistering 98-yard quarterback run that left fans murmuring that Vero Beach might be in for a long night. But the Fighting Indians responded the way they have all postseason: calmly, physically, and with complete confidence in each other. What followed that opening shock was a 42–0 Vero Beach avalanche leaving the scoreboard to read 42-7 at halftime. That left even seasoned supporters shaking their heads in wonder and saying “Wow can you believe the score?”

From the line of scrimmage to the kicking game, Vero Beach executed clean, disciplined football. Traveon Townsend delivered one of the most complete performances of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball and setting the tone with his physicality and relentless effort. Special teams were once again flawless, with Riley Swanson drilling kicks and Austin Banzhaf securing every hold as if the season depended on it. The sideline energy mirrored the play on the field — sharp, focused, and unmoved by the chaotic start.

Still, head coach Len Jankowski and his staff knew better than to relax. Just the week before, Dr. Phillips mounted a furious late comeback against Fort Pierce Central, and their halftime intensity confirmed they hadn’t forgotten how to swing. The Panthers came out fighting in the third quarter, landing a few good shots and briefly shifting momentum. But Vero Beach absorbed the pressure, steadied themselves, and marched downfield for another touchdown to push the lead to 49–16. Moments later, a running clock was triggered — a testament to just how thoroughly Vero controlled the game.

Dr. Phillips did score on the final play, a long sideline catch-and-run that served as a bookend to their explosive start. But everything in between — the other 400 pages of this Friday-night story — belonged entirely to Vero Beach. With the 49–23 victory sealed and the halting notes of the “Pride of the Treasure Coast” marching band echoing across the stadium, it was clear the Fighting Indians were not just advancing. They were ascending, powering their way into the Class 7A Final Four with authority, confidence, and a team rhythm that continues to peak at exactly the right time.