The varsity football team will travel to Estacado next Thursday, Oct. 29 for a district match up. After several tough losses in which the Indians were outscored 117-0, the Indians hope to rebound next week, after a bye week’s worth of preparation and rest.

“We have been working hard in practice,” sophomore linebacker Aron Dominguez said. “We have been working on stripping the ball and causing more turnovers.”

The Indians have been plagued by injuries this season. More than a dozen players have spent time on the disabled list.

“I’m just glad to be back on the field,” said Dominguez, who spent time on the sidelines with a concussion. “I just want to help the team win, and I can’t do that when I’m hurt.”

Due to the mass of injuries, a host of players have been called up from both the JV and freshman teams.

“More people had to step up,” sophomore quarterback Alex Menchaca said. “We had a lot of guys take on an important role in order to help the team.”

Menchaca, who had been the JV quarterback all season, was one of several options called up to varsity after junior starter Brett Hicks broke his collar bone in the Dalhart game. Menchaca played in his first varsity game against Pampa on Oct. 16.

“It was pretty crazy,” Menchaca said. “I was pumped and enjoyed the experience. “

To have a chance to make the playoffs the Indians need to win a district game, and their best shot is against Estacado who sports the same 1-6, 0-2 record as the Indians.

“We have got to execute,” Athletic Director Kent Jackson said. “We have to move the chains, keep their offense off the field, and stop them from making big plays when they are on the field.”