Indians open league with big win

In a 30-6 victory over Shafter last week, motivation seemed to be brimming from every player on the Mountain Football freshmen team.

The Indians sacrificed nearly every lunch break at school the past two weeks studying film on their first league opponent Shafter.

Their dedication paid off in a big way, and Tehachapi recorded their first win of the season.

“This was a huge win for our football team,” said head coach Bruce Schkade. “Character showed (against Shafter). It’s tough for an 0-4 team, playing every game on the road, to keep up their motivation level. But our kids did what they needed to do. What can you say?”

Tehachapi opened up the game as a team possessed, scoring on their first three offensive drives to take a 22-0 lead. Phil Rhodes found the endzone on two red-zone drives while Trevon Harris took a speed-sweep for a five yard score.

The victory was capped in the fourth quarter by a touchdown run by Tyler Holstrom, who took a six yard run up the gut for a touchdown. Tehachapi also converted on three two-point after attempts, with Harris scoring on one try and Rhodes the other two attempts.

Overall in the game, Holstrom finished as the Indian’s top rusher with 13 carries for 75 yards, Harris had seven attempts for 62 yards, and Rhodes and Michael Lowder had 44 and 43 yards apiece.

In the passing game, Levi Garrett threw three completions for 31 yards and Nick Phillips had one completion to Tommy Freeman for 14 yards. Travis Farewell had two catches for 23 yards while Rhodes had a one reception for eight yards.

As a team, Tehachapi rushed for 241 yards, and passed for 45 yards.

“Our offense was clicking, they were a determined group,” added Schkade. “That’s what it takes; they hit and flew out there. That’s what it takes to win the SSL.”

On defense, Tehachapi recorded eight sacks, with two apiece coming from Colt Murrow and Cameron King, and the other sacks recorded by Gabe Goodwin, Tanner Etherton, Travis Farewell, and Zack Timm. Kash Knudson also recorded an interception, while the leading tacklers were King and Rhodes with four tackles each.

The Indian’s defense recorded a shutout, forcing five punts, a turnover on downs, and two turnovers. The only touchdown relinquished came on a kick-off return.

Tehachapi will be welcomed with open-arms this Thursday for their first home game of the season against Taft. The public is encouraged to come and support the Indians in their first taste of football on the Mountain.

Game time will be at 5 p.m.