Indians deal with preseason injury woes
A 1-2 record leaves the Indian football team with a challenge in Snyder tonight.
“Snyder is very multiple in what they do,” Defensive Coordinator Matt Swinnea said. “We are going to be aware and do our jobs.”
Snyder’s quarterback Keenon Ward can both pass and run the ball, leaving the Indian defensive secondary to strategize.
“We are going to keep [Ward] contained inside because he has good speed,” senior defensive back Keithen Hughes said. “If we play well, it will be a close game.”
The Indian quarterback situation is a different story. Junior Tanner Moore has seen limited playing time while dealing with a back injury.
“We want to let my back heal,” Moore said. “It’s not so serious that it’ll take too long, but it’s still a question if I get to play.”
Fighting an injury takes a backseat to the frustration of standing on the sidelines.
“It’s hard seeing people play, and you can’t help your brothers out there,” Moore said. “It’s tough to watch, but the number one thing is you have to be encouraging.”
Though sophomore Jacob Burtch has been shouldering quarterback duties, he found himself one-handed after surgery on Sept. 9 to stabilize bones in his hand. He managed to amass over 350 yards passing against Cooper while taking snaps from the shotgun position with one working hand.
“I’m glad God let me play with my injury; it’s fun, and it’s a challenge,” Burtch said. “It’s a little tougher than using both arms.”
Burtch keeps an open mind while preparing for tonight.
“I’m just going to go out there, do what the coaches tell me and let the runningbacks do most of the work,” Burtch said. “It will be a tough game I hope to play up to the occasion.”
To the team, being spiritually ready for the game is just as important as being mentally ready.
Although Tops in Texas magazine has picked the Indians to finish second in district, Athletic Director Chris Burtch disagrees.
“We are never going to be satisfied with second,” Burtch said. “We are going to strive to be district champs.”
Burtch said he believes the team will be back to full speed by district.
“The team is young,” Coach Burtch said, “ but my expectations are high that we’ll get better quickly.”
According to Swinnea, Snyder likes to confuse the defense and run trick plays.
“Snyder is a tough team,” Swinnea said.”We’re taking it one game at a time because the team is young.”
With a record of 2-1, Snyder’s only loss came to Monahans, 43-42, in the season opener.