Coming off of 34-13 loss against the Snyder Tigers with a 3-1 record, the Indians will take on the Brownfield Cubs tonight in Brownfield.
“We’re really excited about the start of the season,” Coach Chris Burtch said. “We started out 3-0, and now we’re 3-1, but we’re just pleased with where we are.”
The Cubs have a new coach this season and lost to Denver City last week, 26-21, putting their record at 1-3.
“Brownfield’s strength is that they have a couple of players returning from last season,” senior Ryan Johnson said. “Their weakness is that they have a new coach, and they are going to have to get used to a new system.”
Coach Burtch said that having a new coach won’t determine how the Cubs play.
“It always takes a little time with a new coach,” Coach Burtch said. “I won’t say if they will do better or worse, but he is a good man, and they should be doing a good job soon.”
Quarterback junior Jacob Burtch sustained a shoulder injury in the Cooper game but will be playing again tonight.
“I think Jacob will play [tonight] against Brownfield,” Coach Burtch said. “His shoulder injury was pretty severe, but we thank God it wasn’t season ending. He will just take up where he left off.”
After Brownfield the Indians have one more preseason game before they begin district on Oct. 7 against Greenwood.
“I expect us to go 4-0 in district, and I also predict we’ll get first, Monahans will get second and Fort Stockton will place third,” Jacob said. “I don’t think anyone can stop us.”
Johnson said Monahans will be the toughest team in district.
“Monahans beat Snyder and that’s who we played last Friday,” Johnson said. “It shows they will be good.”
Monahans returns both running backs this season.
“I think the best team besides us in district would be Monahans because their returning running backs are good, and they’ll be tough,” Coach Burtch said. “The next best would be Fort Stockton because they are doing a great job and getting better each week.”
Andrews lost a lot of players from last year’s team.
“I think Andrews is really young, but they will get better as the year goes on,” Coach Burtch said. “Greenwood is getting better, they have played some tough opponents, and when district comes they might struggle.”
One of the Indians’ strengths is in quarterback protection.
“Our strength is our offensive line,” Jacob said. “It’s unbelievable. They dominate, and they just have their mind set. They’ve got great tenacity.”
On the downside, not protecting the football keeps the Indians vulnerable.
“Our weakness is that we turn the ball over too much,” Jacob said. “Its a major weakness, and we need to take better care.”
Team leadership has been an anchor throughout the injury-plagued season.
“The season has been good so far,” Jacob said. “I’m not satisfied yet though because we don’t have a state championship, but we’re dominating, and I just love being with the guys.”