TEHACHAPI NEWS - Rare is the game that a Tehachapi offense accumulates more yards through the air than on the ground.

For the Indians last Thursday afternoon, the passing game proved to be the determining factor in a 14-6 victory at Coy Burnett Field over the visiting Foothill Lancers.

Through the first two quarters, Tehachapi amassed zero rushing yards, but found success in the air, with Justin Hansen connecting with Adam Mullen and Josh Strauss for 16 and 80 yards respectively to account for the two lone Indian scores.

“It was a frustrating day on offense in our ground game,” said Indian Head Coach Chris Olofson. “It was good to get the win, but we told the guys after the game that we were going to work on practice (last Friday) to try and get back where we need to be.”

After suffering from a three-and-out and a lost fumble on their first two series, the Indians got on the scoreboard when Justin Hansen lofted a touch-pass to Josh Strauss for a seven-yard catch, and Strauss darted an additional 73 yards to reach the endzone, eluding two would-be tacklers on the way to record the Indian’s longest play from scrimmage so far on the year. The extra point was missed, but Tehachapi was on top early, 6-0.

After relinquishing a score to the Lancers, the Indians would record another touchdown on their fourth offensive possession, with Hansen finding a wide open Adam Mullen in the middle of the secondary for the 16-yard pass-and-catch scoring connection, which was set up by a Bert Hall 30 yard catch completion deep in Foothill territory. The Indians elected to go for two points after the score, with Franky Rodriguez taking a sweep down the left hash to put the Indians up, 14-6.

Indian quarterback Justin Hansen finished with three completions for 128 yards and two touchdowns, including 84 yards rushing, the majority of that yardage accumulated in two game-sealing bootleg runs.

Defensively, the Indians shut down the Lancer offense for most of the afternoon, recording five sacks, an interception, and three fumble recoveries.

“The fumble recoveries were a big part of our success (last Thursday),” said Indian Assistant Coach Bruce Schkade. “Our defense kept us in the game and the turnovers and field position played a big part.”

Leading Tehachapi on defense was Garrett Coontz, who had seven tackles and a fumble recovery, Mullen, Kurtis Knudson, and Vincent Ortiz with six tackles, Franky Rodriquez and Jason Hail with five tackles, and Strauss, Dominic Chaveria, and Geo Higareda, with four tackles. Chaveria, Knudson, Mullen, Chris Fimbres, and Elisha Gutierrez all recorded sacks, while Knudson also brought in an interception after a bone-jarring hit by Strauss late in the third quarter.

The Indians will test their perfect 3-0 record this week against Stockdale in Bakersfield. Game time is set for Thursday at 5pm.

“Stockdale is traditionally our toughest game in our pre-league schedule,” Olofson said.  “We’re expecting a very tough match-up with them.”