POQUOSON—The Southampton High School Indians did not execute the fundamentals of football in their 50-0 road loss to the Poquoson Islanders, said Southampton Coach Willie Gillus Jr.

“We didn’t tackle, we didn’t block,” Gillus said. “Basically, we just ran up against a tough, senior laden Poquoson team.

“Poquoson played excellent. They were fundamentally sound and physical. They played like a senior laden team.”

Gillus said the biggest trouble spots were on the offensive and defensive lines.

“Their defensive line was dominant against our young offensive line,” the first-year head coach said. “They exploded up front early.”

There were some bright spots in the blowout, however.

“One good thing with tonight, is that we saw the kids continuing to play,” Gillus said. “I was proud that they continued to fight, regardless of the score. We never hung our heads low.”

A couple of players also stood out.

“At the end of the game we found Jaquan Ryland, a tail back who ran really hard and physically,” Gillus said. “Special teams wise, I thought we executed. Russell Ballance did a good job punting.”

The coach said the team would head back, review the tape and work on improving.

“We have a plan for this football program,” Gillus said. “We are going to continue to work with the kids in a positive manner and get them on track. We knew it was not going to be an overnight thing.

“We are going to have to continue to do what we have been doing all summer, work on the fundamentals. We’ll continue to teach, and continue to get better.”

The Indians have their home opener Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. against the Smithfield Packers, who opened up with a home win against Surry County 34-6.