TITUSVILLE

The New Smyrna Beach Barracudas defeated Astronaut in a battle of fierce defenses.

The War Eagle defensive unit was both opportunistic and stout, forcing four turnovers, returning one interception for a touchdown, and setting up the offense in Barracuda territory on several occasions.

The Barracuda defense was as stout, if not as opportunistic. The Astronaut offense managed just 135 total yards on the night. Their only scoring drive was a short one set up by an interception on a tipped pass. The teams combined to record three sacks and a number of knock downs on the respective quarterbacks.

Astronaut had a chance to tie or win late when they took possession of the ball after a fourth down stop deep in their own territory with 3:50 remaining, but the drive stalled after a couple of procedural penalties backed them up.

KEY PLAYERS: Astronaut safety Steven Williams made the play of the game, a 45-yard interception for a touchdown.

THEY SAID IT: “I was just watching the quarterback’s eyes and I picked it off and returned it for a score,” said the senior leader of the War Eagle defense.

UP NEXT: Astronaut will host Episcopal High in Jacksonville Friday in another non-district contest.