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INDIANS AND BUCKS DRAW TO 20-20 TIE
TEHACHAPI NEWS - The end result may have ended without a victor on the scoreboard, but it was as thrilling of a scoring deadlock that you'll find in the Indians (3-4-1) managing to salvage a 20-20 output over SSL-leading Shafter.
Led by Matt Santos's two touchdowns, one on a 38-yard fumble return and another on a 31-yard touchdown catch from Ryan Dalmas, Tehachapi was able to match step-for-step against the league's best team.
Dalmas had four completions for 111 yards and a score, while Santos finished the evening with two catches for 58 yards to lead all receivers.
"We knew they weren't holding up the tight end on the left side of the line, which is why we went Santos's way," said Olofson. "Our backs were against the wall, we needed a win and make the big calls to try and get it."
John Cramer led the Tehachapi ground attack with 19 carries for 96 yards and a five-yard touchdown run, including a two-point run in the fourth quarter to help the Indians get the tie.
"Seeing (Shafter) on tape we knew they were good, they have had a great program in youth football the past couple of years," Olofson said. "But our guys have gotten so much better, we're inches away from making a point after attempt (in the first half) that would have netted us this win."
Late in the game with Tehachapi deep in their own territory, the Indians elected to go for it on fourth down and 12, which resulted in a sack and a turnover on possessions with :02 left in the game. The TOD gave Shafter one last shot to try and win the contest.
"The reason we went for it on that fourth down was if we didn't come away with an win we lose our shot at a share of the championship, by tying we are a half game behind Shafter," said Olofson. "But the kids fought hard and in the end we had a key block."
Shafter elected to use the final play of the night on a 34-yard field goal attempt, which was blocked after a high snap helped the Tehachapi down-lineman get into position to thwart the effort.
On defense, Andrew Howell led Tehachapi with six tackles, while Luke Papac, Luke Mears, Chris Rush, Daniel Baquerizo, and John Cramer all had multiple-tackles. Nick Howell and Daniel Baquerizo also recorded interceptions in the game.
"This was a good game for us, it's great momentum with the final two games remaining," Olofson said. "We played a complete game and it was a solid team effort."
