CHOCOWINITY — The Chocowinity Indians defended their rain-soaked home turf on Saturday with a dominating 26-0 win over the Washington Colts in the Community Youth Football League 10U opener.

Leading the charge was Indians tailback Jody Pierce, who carried the ball four times for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while also returning a kickoff 55 yards for another score.

On top of Pierce’s solid offensive performance, the Chocowinity defense limited Washington to just 38 yards of total offense through four quarters.

On the first Indians series, two bruising runs from fullback Darren Joyner took the ball into Colts territory. Then, Pierce made his first impact of the game, a dynamic 32-yard run through the gut of the defense and into the endzone for six. And on the ensuing kickoff, Pierce recovered his own onside kick, placing the Indians on the Colts’ 38-yard line, though the visiting defense would force a much-needed four and out.

In the second quarter, Pierce, K.J. Moore and Joyner pieced together an eight-play drive that drained clock and eventually resulted in a touchdown. After a 14-yard run, Pierce ran the ball again, this time a bootleg route towards the corner pylon for six.

With one second remaining before halftime, Washington’s Aven Harris reeled in a 15-yard bomb, but was tackled 15 yards short of the endzone, ending the half and preserving Chocowinity’s 12-0 lead.

As Washington kicked off to begin the second half, Pierce caught the looping kick, turned to his left and sprinted up the sideline 55 yards for a touchdown, giving the Indians a 18-0 lead and activating the running clock.

And on the following kickoff, Pierce kicked another short chopper through the middle that was recovered by teammate Walker Hill for yet another successful onside kick.

With 1:18 remaining, a 10-yard bootleg from Moore and a successful two-point conversion from Jacori Blount gave Chocowinity its 26-point, season-opening victory.

For Washington, Koby Munday led his team with seven yards rushing on three carries, while Joshua Gordon notched five yards on four carries.

The Indians will look to carry the momentum into next week’s CYFL matchup with the Belhaven Bulldogs, as the Colts face off against the Washington Giants. Both games will be played at the Belhaven recreation fields.