INDIANS TAKE DOWN BURROUGHS

TEHACHAPI NEWS - If new Indian head coach Chris Olofson had any first game jitters in his return debut on the Tehachapi High School coaching staff, the butterflies were quickly dispelled as the Indians shutout Burroughs 33-0.

Tehachapi opened up the scoring on defense, when Kelly Lorenz picked off a Burroughs pass on a third and long play, and then ran the pigskin 26 yards for the score and a 6-0 lead with 4:56 left in the first quarter. Lorenz would add another interception early in the second quarter to help set up another Indian scoring drive that would be capped by a Byron Herman score.

"Lorenz's interceptions were a big relief early in the game, I think offensively it gave us a lot of confidence," said Olofson. "I think it definitely was a big momentum booster for us to get things started."

Burroughs had five straight drives that ended with turnovers in the first half, allowing Tehachapi to capitalize on the mistakes with two offensive touchdowns by Herman of 25 yards and six yards to go into halftime up, 20-0.

On the second Herman score, Indian quarterback Ehren Ochsenrider was able to take an option keeper in the endzone for a successful two-point point after attempt.

"We were a little worried coming into this game because of the quality team that Burroughs had at the freshman level last year, we're happy we could turn the tables a bit this time around," added Olofson.

Tehachapi cruised in the final two quarters playing strong defense, led by Joey Montez who finished with nine recorded tackles, while teammates Gabe Naboa had three tackles, three sacks, and a fumble recovery, Jake Taylor had three tackles and four pressures, Herman and Louis Olofson had three tackles and Paul Castro had two tackles.

On offense, the Indians were led in the ground game by Herman, who had 43 yards on eight carries and two TD's. Also contributing were Jeff Waldram, who finished with 39 yards on seven carries and a touchdown, and Castro, who had 19 yards on five carries and a 31-yard TD reception. Ochsenrider led the Indians in passing who connected on five passes for 90 yards.

"There are still some things that we will need to work out going into Paraclete," said Olofson. "Our mental discipline and avoiding penalties need to be addressed and we're going to need to work our fronts both on offense and defense."

The Indians open up their second game at home against Paraclete this Thursday at Coy Burnett Field. Kickoff for the game is set for 5 p.m.