INDIANS ROCK THE RAMBLERS

TEHACHAPI NEWS - The Indians racked up four penalties for 25 yards on their first possession of the game last Thursday. Looking at that statistic alone, you would think that Tehachapi would not be able to tack on any points on the scoreboard on that drive.

But in the end, the 25 yards just padded the stat column for the freshmen as Tehachapi scored on their first series to help propel them to the eventual 40-0 shutout over Garces.

 Josh Strauss initially scored on an 18-yard touchdown run on the Indians first series of the game, but an illegal shift at the line of scrimmage nullified the score early in the first quarter. The penalty did not phase Tehachapi however, with Kris Knudson hooking up with Bert Hall on a 32 yard pass-and-catch on the next play to help put the Indians deep in the red zone. Strauss would go on to tack on a 1-yard run and the extra point for the early 7-0 Tehachapi lead.

On the Ramblers first possession of the game, the Indians defense forced Garces to a three-and-out punting situation. On the punt by the Ramblers, the ball was pooched vertically straight up in the air and bounced for a net of 5-yards at the Rambler 40 yard line. An alert Adam Mullen caught the Garces line of scrimmage off-guard by scooping up the ball and darting to the endzone for another Indian score at the 1:52 mark of the first quarter. Austin Podratz would connect on the PAT for the Tehachapi 14-0 advantage.

The Indians would not score again until late in the second quarter, when Armando Salado would cap a 70-yard Tehachapi drive with a four yard scoring jaunt. Podratz would again connect for the conversion to put the Indians up 21-0 with 3:18 to go before halftime.

The Tehachapi coaching staff cleverly utilized their timeouts on the ensuing Garces possession to put the Indians in position to get the ball again before intermission. The time conservation paid off, with Franky Rodriguez taking a 26-yard reverse run into the endzone with 1:26 left in the second quarter. Podratz would connect again on the PAT to put the Indians up, 28-0.

Mullen-ator - Mostly known for scoring on offense, #22 Adam Mullen found his way to the endzone on special teams and defense against the Ramblers, scoring on a 39-yard punt return and returning an interception 45 yards for a touchdown.

With the Rambler offense trying to mount a drive and a score before halftime, an errant screen pass by Garces was read by Mullen, who snuck in-between two Garces receivers to intercept the football and dash 45 yards for another Tehachapi score and the :35 mark of the second quarter. The PAT was no good, but Tehachapi was up big at halftime, 34-0.

For most of the second half, the Indians chipped away at the clock with ball control running plays. Garrett Coontz would highlight the second half with an interception return for a touchdown mid-way through the third quarter for the eventual ending tally of 40-0.

Austin Podratz led all Tehachapi rushers with 48 yards on six carries. Adam Mullen had seven carries for 44 yards, and a catch for 18 yards. Josh Strauss had 39 yards rushing and 21 yards receiving to add to the offensive production. In the passing game, Kurtis Knudson had 90 yards on four completions.

On defense, Dominic Chavarria, Garrett Coontz, Jason Hail, and Matt Salas each had six tackles, while Vincent Ortiz, Eric Harroun, and Austin Podratz each had three tackles. Hail and Mullen each recorded sacks, while Mullen and Coontz also recorded interceptions.

The Indians will open up their South Sequoia League schedule on the road this week against the Wasco Tigers. Kickoff will be at 5pm this Thursday.