The Only thing Lost was the Game

By Suzie
November 28, 2004

For Jim Ned, the 32-27 loss against Canadian in the Quarter Regionals in Lubbock on Friday afternoon was heartbreaking. The Wildcats took a three-touchdown lead early in the game and held on from there.

Cam Holson was the first Indian to tack on six with a 64 yard pass reception from Colt McCoy, and Peter Schiessler split the uprights to bring the score to 19-7. Josh Lovelady scored next, in the third quarter, to bring the Indians within 5. The point after attempt was no good. Lovelady scored again in the final frame after another successful Wildcat scoring drive, and with 1:58 left in the game, Colt McCoy aired out the final touchdown pass of the game to his brother, Chance McCoy.

But it was too little too late. The final true play of the game was a fourth-and-inches scenario. With 1:14 to go, CHS running back Auston English took the ball five yards past the first down mark, which sealed the win for the Wildcats. Two knees later, it was over.

The Canadian Wildcats were the better team that afternoon, taking home the Quarter Regional Championship trophy and remaining undefeated. This is the first season, incidentally, that Canadian can claim that fact.

Jim Ned lost the game on Friday night, but one thing is certain: the team never lost heart. They never lost their class, they never lost their pride, they never lost their character. They never lost their character, and that says a lot about their coach.

In the shadow of an emotional week for the Indians, losing Michael Petty to injury, and more seriously, nearly losing him period -- it really was not about the loss. It was about living life and learning that there is more indeed to football than just winning. The guys are a team in a family-tight way, brought together by coach Brad McCoy who has had an opportunity that dads dream of -- coaching his sons Colt and Chance through the seasons. Colt is headed somewhere big, be it Texas, or LSU, or Stamford, depending on who you hear. Chance is only a sophomore, believe it or not, and will only get stronger.

Cam Holson can now turn his sights on the orange ball with the Indians, and earlier this month, he announced his intent to play basketball at ACU.

There's Big 99, Sawyer Smith, who left an impression on many a offensive linemen and even defenders at times; John Starnes, another TE/DE who I expect to see play at college somewhere;

Lantz Thomas, Monty Robinson, Matt Gleason, Brandon O'Dell, and Kole King, Michael Petty, Travis Sims, Evan Goodman and Garret Gwinn, who made up the offensive and defensive units, never stopped for anyone as they plowed paths for RB Matt Blanton as well Josh Lovelady and DJ Tate who, along with Jace Yarbrough, had many wonderful moments on both sides of the ball. DB Clinton McClure had his best game against Canadian. Josh Swonger is a hero in his own light, overcoming adversity both on and off the field.

Paul Jennings, Brandon Mansfield, O'Dell, and Billy Smith had short seasons due to injury, and both were missed.

Kolby Dean, Zach Shew, and Justin Davis were tremendous with the ball, and also had superb defensive moments -- all three were all over the place during the playoff game against Crane last week.

I specifically remember seeing Reece and Jace Rhoden line up on the same side as receivers. Both made awesome catches during the season.

I can count Peter Schiessler's missed field goals on one hand. He's the most accurate field goal kicker I've had the chance to watch.

There are the returners: QB Cam Decker, who defensively was responsible for two interceptions against Canadian, is a junior. Kit Lefevre, a sophomore, had a tremendous year as well in the WR slot. Stephen Hernandez, a junior who didn't hear his name echoing over the intercom much during the season, was a defensive catalyst. Lane Davis, who's best game was arguably against Canadian (he's had several this season), is another junior. Jennings is a junior, and so is Mansfield.

For the Indians, it's bittersweet. But there is not a soul in Tuscola who is
disappointed. Coach McCoy is right: Losing does hurt. But ultimately, it is the losses in life that define who we are in life -- not that we lost, but that we are gracious. Not that we failed, but that we were accepting. Not that we weren't capable, but that we were not perfect. And not that we fell apart, but that we, as a team and a community, did it together. And not a single person should have been let down.

Blogger's Note: I enjoyed the season, guys! I really appreciate the principal allowing me sideline access at the eastland game. I was a bit nervous, I must admit. A photographer for Grape Creek, gave me a quick tutorial on the camera I have, and the pictures instantly went from good to great. Then Jennifer Clark allowed me to use the holy grail of cameras -- and I still haven't seen the pictures yet! But I am patiently waiting (haha). The parents are awesome, and to see the pictures I had taken on the lockerroom walls was kinda neat. But I am really taken aback by how supportive everyone was for each other -- I doubt you'd ever see that at a big school. JNISD, you guys should be proud! And thanks again!

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