INDIANS TROUNCE BEARS

by Paul Blewett

Rebounding from last week’s close loss to Wasco, the Indians returned to form by
combining a powerful running attack and stingy defense to defeat the Arvin Bears,
28-13. 

Arvin scored on the opening kick-off with an 85-yard return, but the Indians quickly
evened the score on their next series by taking the first play from scrimmage all
the way to the endzone with a buck sweep down the right side. Guards David Lara
and Jack Blewett pulled to the right and paved the way for running back Marcus Curiel,
who quickly took advantage of his blockers to outrun the Arvin defense 79 yards
to the end zone. Luke Henderson kicked the field goal to tie the game at 7-7.

With just over nine minutes still remaining in the first quarter, the defense rose
to the occasion by forcing Arvin to punt twice. Arvin lost yardage on six plays,
culminating with a sack for an eight-yard loss by Justin Hedburg on third and 10.

After a trade of possessions, the Indians regained control with just over two minutes
remaining in the first quarter.

Starting at their 42 yard line, the Indians quickly moved into Bear country behind
a four-yard run by Curiel and an 18-yard run by Gabe Saavedra. On first down at
the Arvin 36, Alec Johnson completed an 11 yard pass to Joey Lopez, then Marcus
Curiel ran nine-yards on the next play to the Arvin 16. Johnson again took to the
air and completed the 16-yard pass to tight end Cody Hall for the touchdown. Henderson
again connected on the extra point to give the Indians a 14-7 first quarter lead.

The bleeding continued for Arvin, facing a fourth and 21 on their next possession
after a Saavedra tackle for loss and a David Lara sack. The Bears attempted to punt,
but Lara blocked the kick and Blewett recovered the ball at the Bear 17 yard line.
The Indians moved the ball to near the goal line on a 12 yard run by Curiel, then
on first and goal from the five, Saavedra pounded his way into the end zone for
the two-score advantage.

On the ensuing Arvin possession, Jack Blewett intercepted a pass at the 37 and returned
the ball to the Arvin 25 to set up the final scoring drive of the afternoon for
Tehachapi.  

After two short running plays, the Indians handed off to Wyatt Vance, who ran 21
yards to for the touchdown. Brian Castaneda bulled his way into the end zone for
the two-point conversion to give the Indians a commanding 28-7 lead.

In the game overall, Marcus Curiel led the team with 101 yards rushing on five carries
and a touchdown.

The Indians finish an outstanding season with an 8-2 record (4-1 SSL), while providing
a tremendous amount of promise for the future of Mountain Football.
 

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