The Indians improve as they prepare for district competition which begins against Levelland on Oct. 10.

“They get better every week,” Coach Kent Jackson said. “I’m really proud of the progress they’ve made.”

The offense is coming together and working as a group, scoring eight touchdowns on the year.

“We’re finally starting to follow our assignments,” senior offensive lineman Kyle Rickman said. “We are trusting the guy next to us more.”

Indian opponents have outscored SHS by 49 points total in the preseason, as the offense worked to improve both its running and passing games with more experience.

Senior quarterback Jarett Johnson has thrown for six touchdowns on the season, while senior running back Kason Rosalez has rushed for 380 yards.

The team will face many difficult opponents in district but their biggest challenge could be Estacado.

“Estacado is fast, big and they’ve always challenged us,”  Johnson said. “They’re beatable though, and we’ll get them at home.”

Working hard as individuals is not  enough for the Indians. They have to work as a team as this year’s slogan T.R.I.B.E., illustrates through trust, respect, integrity, belief and enthusiasm.

“TRIBE is like a brotherhood thing,” Johnson said. “It takes the whole tribe to accomplish our goal, which is to win district.”

Senior lineman Jaxon Williams said teamwork is the way the Indians will succeed in district.

“The key to success is playing for the man next to you,”  Williams said. “And believing that they are going to get the job done day in and day out.”

When Jackson considered a theme for his first season at the Indian helm, he thought about ways to bring the whole school together, thus  the TRIBE theme.

“It came to me when I sat down and thought about what we need to be,” Jackson said. “It ties into who we are and our traditions.”

Jackson explained the components of the acronym TRIBE in depth.

“Trust–everything is built on trust,” Jackson said. “Respect–everyone may not be friends with each other but respect has to be there because everyone has something to offer. Integrity–to be a person one can trust and respect you have to do what is right. Belief–you must have a positive attitude and believe in your teammates and coaches. Enthusiasm–everyone has problems, but enthusiasm makes the situation better.”

The Indians face the Levelland at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 10 at Wigwam Stadium. The Loboes are ranked No. 42 by the Harris Poll and knocked state-ranked Denver City out, 36-0, the last week of September. The Loboes like to pass the ball with senior quarterback Nick Gerber looking for his favorite target, senior wide receiver Trenton Jones.

Levelland holds a 2-4 preseason record, losing to four opponents by three or less points, including Bushland on Oct. 3, 28-27, with a missed extra point.