The Indians continued on their road to State after they defeated Platte County Nov. 12. And once again, the had to come from behind to do it.

The Indians’ defense remained strong the whole game. They held the Pirates to 199 total yards, recovered two fumbles and had two interceptions. Defensive Coordinator Zach Dudley thinks the defense played very well. 

“We hit them really hard and they didn’t like the physicality,” Dudley said.

Senior David Jacquez recovered a fumble and ran it back 37 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter to vault the Indians into the lead 19-14. Senior Jaeden Penamon, who had an interception during the game, feels that they have a very good defense.

“I feel like we have the best defense in the State,” Penamon said. “We had said that early in the year, but we are really improving it now.” 

Platte County came back to take the lead 20-19. Both teams had unsuccessfully tried 2-point conversions to try and keep the game out of a field goals reach. The special teams carried on the success with sophomore Xander Shepherd kicking what would become the game winning field goal that put the Indian’s ahead 22-20 in the middle of the fourth quarter. Shepherd feels very proud of the win. 

“No one really thought we were going to go out and win it, so it feels good,” Shepherd said. “I went out, kicked well and did what I was supposed to do for the team to win.”

The Indian’s take on Grain Valley in the Quarterfinals on Nov. 19 at Grain Valley High School.