3-0 RECORD: Indians begin district versus Monahans

Fans jumped to their feet as they cheered on senior wide receiver Drayton Perez returned the opening kickoff 97 yards for the touchdown. The crowd erupted with sounds not heard since last year’s homecoming win over Kermit. The Indians were out for more than one win this season.

With a 3-0 record going into tonight’s district opener versus Monahans, Indian players can see the goals ahead.

“We are going to dominate,” senior quarterback Brett Hicks said. “I think we have a chance to win district. As long as we work together and keep our heads up, we have the potential to be really good.”

After last year’s 1-9 season, the Indians have outscored opponents 102 to 21.

“We are motivated and ready to play district,” junior linebacker Cade Barnard said. “We have played well against non-district teams. It has prepared us to win.”

During preseason play, the Indian’s were down to Snyder when lightning called the game with no damage to the Indian’s perfect record.

“We learned not to take anything for granted,” senior running back Jarryd Karr said. “In the Snyder game, we came out thinking we were going to win, but in the first quarter we went out and got our teeth kicked in. It was an experience we learned from.”

District’s biggest challenges will be Sweetwater and Monahans.

“We will try and take it one game at a time.” junior tight end Reese Moore said. “Sweetwater always has a solid program. We just have to continue to work hard.”

Part of the Indians’ determination and motivation this season comes from work ethic.

“I think they have really changed the culture of hard work,” strength and conditioning Coach Dustin Rotan said. “They have raised the bar and changed the mindset of what it takes to be successful. It is exciting and fulfilling to see their hard work pay off.”

The Indians returned almost a dozen veterans to the line up.

“I think they understand they have improved a whole lot from a year ago,” Coach Kent Jackson said. “We’ve got every opportunity in the world to be as a part of the district race as we choose to be. I know they are excited. District should be good. We have to come to practice every day, and no matter how good or bad Friday night was, work to improve and not ever be satisfied.”

Perhaps the team’s motto of “hungry and humble” keeps them grounded.

“Being humble and hungry means we have to play every game like it’s the last one we are going to play,” Barnard said. “Then after the game, no matter if we win or lose, just give all the glory to God.”

The Indians will begin district play against the Loboes at 7 p.m. tonight.