An interception, a lateral and a VCC overtime victory

This win belonged to the defense.The Vermilion Ironmen's defensive unit forced four turnovers and scored twice - including the game-winner in overtime - in a 20-14 decision over Central Lakes last Saturday at Ely School Stadium.Linebacker Joe Degrazio intercepted a pass in the extra session and ran the first 70 yards of a 95-yard return. Teammate Avery Drakeford took a lateral from Degrazio and ran it into the end zone, capping an improbable finish.Earlier, Drakeford picked off two passes, linebacker Ty Svenby ran an interception back 30 yards for a score and the Vermilion defense - anchored by Degrazio - shut down the Raiders' running game.Degrazio set up the winning score with a sack on second-and-goal, forcing the visitors into a passing situation on the first possession of overtime.The sophomore from Philadelphia, a preseason All-American, read Darnell Coleman's pass perfectly and stepped in front of the receiver for the pick."Joe puts himself in good position when he's out there," said Vermilion Head Coach Steve Crittenden. "He stepped up and got a key sack and put them in a situation where they had to throw, and then it was just an unexpected end to the football game."Degrazio's pick ended Central Lakes' scoring opportunity and set the table for the Vermilion offense, but he decided to go for the win all by himself.After evading several tacklers, he got into Raider territory and looked back to find Drakeford as he was being taken down near the 25."I was a running back in high school so I know how to run with the ball," said Degrazio. "I broke a couple tackles and then one of their wide receivers caught me. I looked back and I saw Avery running behind me so I pushed it back."The Raiders forced the extra session late in regulation with a 32-yard field goal by Andrew Tewes.Central Lakes stalled twice earlier in the half in Vermilion territory, and a 36-yard field goal attempt fell short.Vermilion led 14-8 at the half but couldn't put the Raiders away. The Ironmen had just one offensive touchdown - and it came in the opening minute of the game.Quarterback Jerrick Jenkins completed a screen pass to Zavier Steward, and the freshman running back broke free for a 56-yard touchdown.The Ironmen added the two-point conversion on a broken play. Degrazio, who holds on extra-point kicks, retrieved a bad snap, avoided the rush and hooked up with James Walker in the back of the end zone.Central Lakes answered with a one-yard run by Miachel LaMirande, and the Raiders' back added the conversion run.That was it for LaMirande, who was held to 48 yards on 30 carries."I think our defense did a great job of shutting down their running back," said Crittenden. "He was their primary offensive weaon, and anytime you can hold him to a little over one yard a carry you have to be satisified."The only other touchdown in regulation came midway through the first quarter, when Svenby stepped in front of a screen pass and went untouched into the end zone.Dan Mace cut the gap in half with a 30-yard field goal with 10 seconds left in the second quarter.The 14-11 score held up until Tewes' game-tying, left-footed kick late in the fourth.Vermilion was held to just 89 second half yards, and 192 yards for the game.Jenkins completed 17-of-29 passes for 144 yards, with two interceptions. Steward was held to 17 yards on 14 carries but had five receptions for 86 yards. Marquis Clark had four receptions while Josh Merricks and Bradley Martin had three apiece for Vermilion.The Ironmen go to Fergus Falls today for their last tuneup prior to the start of Northern Division play. The division opener is Sept. 29, when Northland comes to Ely School Stadium.