A season full of injuries and a 5-6 record didn’t leave the Indian football team disappointed. Instead it brought members closer.
“I will remember most how we all came close as brothers,” senior defensive back Brandon Rodriguez said. “We never gave up on each other.”
With a bi-district title and an area appearance, the season took the Indians farther than expected.
“I can describe the season as fun,” senior receiver Brock Tittle said. “It was memorable because we were able to overcome all the challenges and injuries.”
The injuries also left the team scrambling to fill holes.
“The injuries really affected the season,” Tittle said. “It kind of made it difficult deciding who was playing each week or if we could trust the back-up players.”
Injuries affected the team’s overall performance level.
“Injuries affected us since Tanner Moore was hurt, and he couldn’t help as much,” Rodriguez said. “Juan Espino couldn’t give 100 percent because of his ankle, and Andrew Peterson’s knee took away from the defense.”
The Indians went 2-2 in district landing them in third place in district and securing a play-off berth. The Indians defeated Pecos for the bi-district championship.
“The most physical game was against Pecos because everyone came out hitting,” Tittle said. “ It means a lot to me to be a bi-district champion though.”
After defeating Pecos, the Indians were up against Borger in the area round of the playoffs. They fell to Borger, 35-7, ending the season.
“The Borger game was good, and they were really good,” Athletic Director Chris Burtch said. “They didn’t do anything confusing or surprising, they also didn’t control our front.”
The Borger game sent Rodriguez to the hospital.
“The Borger game was tough,” Rodriguez said. “It was really scary when I got knocked out because I couldn’t move. I was really scared because [at that moment] I didn’t know if I would ever walk again.”
Although Rodriguez would be alright, injuries plagued the team.
“The most unexpected moment that happened to me was when I broke my foot,” junior David Moncayo said. “I didn’t get to play much since I was hurt.”
Younger players had to fill in.
“The most unexpected thing this season was how many young kids had to step up,” Coach Burtch said. “They had to play in a lot of the big games.”
Junior Jarod Adams said he always tried to give his all during each game.
“When I stepped onto the field, I just knew I had to go hard and sacrifice for my brothers,” Adams said. “Sometimes I felt like I failed, but when I left the field, I hope that I gave all I could.”
Injuries, physical games and unexpected moments were all part of an Indian season which brought the team closer.
“The injuries did affect the season,” Coach Burtch said, “but I can describe the season as one of camaraderie, perseverance and unity.”