The varsity football team took on the Van Horn Falcons and dominated them 58-20 on Sept. 17, 2021. Due to Raytown’s quarantine, the Indians were struggling to find a team to play for the Homecoming game. Van Horn’s (2-2) opponent was also placed on a quarantine, so the teams were able to coordinate and meet for the first time ever. 

The offense put up good numbers due to the offensive line opening running lanes for seniors Corey Olvera and Javen Hall and protecting the quarterback, junior Greg Menne, during pass plays. Menne used Olvera two separate times for two rushing touchdowns. The team picked up a total of 205 rushing yards. Olvera thinks that there is always room for improvement.

“We’re good at knowing the task at hand and what we need to do,” Olvera said through a Snapchat Interview. “We can always get better everywhere on the field. There’s always room for improvement and we know that.” 

The defense also played a tremendous part in helping the Indians receive a victory. Senior Cornerback Jaeden Penamon made a key play by intercepting the ball from Van Horn and gave the Indians another shot at scoring. Senior Outside Linebacker David Jacquez put up big numbers by blocking two PATS from the Falcons, had five solo tackles and two assists. Jacquez feels as though once he got his head in the game, he did what he could to help the Indians to victory.

“I stopped making mistakes and getting in my own head and started to make plays and help the team secure the win,” Jacquez said in a Snapchat Interview.

The offense had a total of 390 yards, 185 by way of the pass. Important completions from Menne to junior wide receiver Christen Penamon netted a 77 yard TD pass. Hall believes his team played a good game.

“I feel good about how we played on Friday,” Hall said in a Snapchat interview. “We came out a little flat in the first half but we picked it up in the second half and got the job done.”

The special teams remained consistent. Sophomore Xander Shepherd made 7 PATS and a field goal scoring ten points. Shepherd is now 19/21 on PATs and 7/8 on field goals for the season. The Indians are now 3-1 on the season and travel to play Belton High School at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2021.