1. Just because Jim Ned is not in the playoffs does not mean there isn't football related news.
I have a camera and time, and I will be writing about the efforts of our 6-2A representatives on here, mostly in the form of a photo series.

2. Basketball is around the corner here, so there is plenty of news that I will be posting here about that.

I'll be doing these two things in an attempt to keep this page updated more often.

In reality, for the Indians and the Bluecats, this game was a playoff game in itself. With Early and Wall securing a spot in the postseason, only one more seat was available, and either Jim Ned or Coleman moved forward and the other team went home. Unfortunately, it didn't go the way the Indians had hoped.

We lost two of our most prolific receivers in Michael Shelton and Kit Lefevere, somewhere in there, but it didn't slow down the offense. It opened the gates for younger talent to do what they could do. For example, Jordon Coffman's abilities may have been stifled by the Coleman defense, this game, but his determination alone shows only a preview of what a team Jim Ned is going to be, next season.

A fan actually told me they didn't think that the Indians will be as good of a team the next few years after this one. From what I have seen they're going to be just as good as they were this season, if not better. We have depth to give away on the lines, as long as growing pains and centers of gravity cease to be an issue. We have a superb set of receivers in the mist and a trio of quarterbacks that are behind Taylor Cain, who will undoubtedly helm the offense in '07.

To the seniors: Jon, Kit, Colt, James, Rance, Garrett, Phillip, Kirk, Dayton, Chance, and Colter:

This was a year to remember. I am proud of your effort on the field and your attitude off. You guys represented your school without question, and your futures will no doubt be very bright, regardless the fields you choose. I had a LOT of fun, this season, and I am already looking forward to see what happens next, in basketball, baseball, tennis, or whatever it is you guys do (debate, even!) do it with all your heart, because you may never get to do it again, but what you do achieve -- those are the things you get to talk about when you're 50 and working at the office. I should know. I hear all about good high school sports a lot where I work! But the memories are the best -- so keep them good.

Thanks again...

...at least the truck was red.

The matchup that will most likely decide who goes to playoffs between the Indians and the Bluecats is, incidently, the last game of the season for both teams -- and it's in Coleman. Can the Indians go to Bluecat Country and leave as winners? Regardless the score on the board, I say yes.

But that game is two weeks away, and currently, the Indians are focusing entirely on the Wall Hawks.

Part Two of my preseason report is now in session, albeit a couple of days late. I'm discussing the defense, here.

I don't think defensemen get their glory, especially when it comes to the linemen and ends. I have taken many a picture where the reason a running back made a good run was because one of the linemen found a hole and exploited it. This happens rarely with the Indian defense.
The struggle at the line almost always ends in the Indians' favor.

You'll normally find brothers Payden and Garrett Brown on that line, somewhere. Juniors Trenton Tippett and Brian Schulle beef up the middle, and Will Meiron usually on one of the ends. At first, it looked like Tippett and Schulle would be on one side of the ball, only, but coaching staff saw it better to put both of them together -- which will turn out to be a good move. Garrett is usually on one of the ends, as well, and his quickness has proven poisonous to opposing offensive units. Meiron and Payden are new to the varsity team. Expect them to shine as they mature throughout the season. I'm also going to make a prediction that Joe Mayfield could be one of the ones to make the trip from JV into Varsityland this season. He is really an outstanding player.

In the backfield, Jim Ned lacks experience, but makes up for it with ability. Luke Taylor, Tallen Swanzy, and Jordan Coffman work in the back, and did very well stopping the Merkel receiving game, last night. Whatever makes it past the linebackers, these guys will stop the play before the first down can be achieved.

The seniors, Colt Sansing and Kirk Whitehurst, are carrying over some of their best performances from last season.

Kolby Kelley and Hayden Holson are the roming Mad Maxes of the Defense. With pads that have neckrolls that remind me of Mel Gibson's character from that movie, they roam behind the line somewhere, and without flinching roll up on the unassuming ball carriers, and at times, the quarterback. Holson had at least one last night against Merkel.

Some of the offensive faces may make an apperance in the defensive lineup: Taylor Cain, whose primary role is quarterback; and Kit LeFevre, a receiver both may see some time in the backfield.

The first Friday Night football game has come and gone for the Jim Ned Indians, and thankfully, it ended with a "1" in the Win column.

The Merkel Badgers hosted the event, and immediately put their mark on the board, with a 40 yard connection from QB Matt Gabaldon to Jacob Mendez. Rodrick White, who kicked the field goal, would score later in the first quarter on an 18 yard run into the end zone.

From then on, it was all Jim Ned, as Michael Shelton caught two passes in the second and third quarders, and Philip Perez found a rare opening in the Badger's defensive line in the final period to seal the win. Frankie Rohr nailed all three of his PATs.

Notes of Interest
Jon George and Taylor Cain both took snaps during the game, appearing to share equal time The move by Coach Hargrove worked, as Merkel's defense had some difficulty adjusting to each of the quarterback's style of play. While Cain and George do play a lot alike, there must be something intangible that was just enough to throw off the oncoming defense.

Thumb's Down
The injury bug has hit the Indians hard the last couple of days, with multiple players getting banged up on the Junior Varsity squads, and two key injuries for the V. Rance Cook and Kit LeFevre both stepped out of the game early; however LeFevre was able to return. Several of the players were already donning casts and splints, mostly for damaged done to their thumbs.

This is part one of my preseason look at the Jim Ned Indians. Today, I will cover the offensive game, and tomorrow I will discuss the defense. Let the comments begin!!!

Kolby Kelly couldn't have said it better himself, announcing "I can't wait for football to start!"

And that was during a baseball game...which the Indians won.

Well, neither can we, and how much cooler it is to see a date, time, and location assigned to the moment everyone's wait will be over. Without further adieu, here are the schedules for the Jim Ned Indian 2006-07 Varsity, JV Red/White, and 7th/8th Grade football teams.

Bangs beat Breckenridge 26-20 (3-0)
Ballinger beat Merkel 36-7 (3-0)
Early beat Eastland 19-9 (3-1)
Coleman beat hamilton 23-13 (2-2)
Jim Ned beat Coahoma 19-13 (2-2)
San Saba lost to Jarrell 14-49 (1-3)

Soon after the second quarter began, Cameron Decker found his own hole
in the Bulldog D and gave Frankie Rohr his first opportunity to show the world why Jim Ned put the freshman on the varsity squad. Rohr, who was called up from the JV Red team, kicked a flawless field goal to bring the game up to a 7-all tie.

But shortly after, Antonio Gonzales brought the 'Dogs to a 6-point lead after a hard-fought offensive drive.

After half-time, it was all Jim Ned. Something sent the Indians' motivation into the stratusphere. ARN reported that Coach Walter hargrove challenged his defense to step up to the plate -- which they ended up blanking the visiting team.

Perez finally had his chance to tell Coahoma what he thought of Crofts block, when he ran in a 3-yard TD to tie the game. The kick was a fumble, and the score remained tied at 13.

Then, after a harrowing 4th quarter, which both teams saw some serious chances, Jim Ned found themselves seven yards from destiny. With 18 seconds left on the game clock, Decker found Michael Shelton, who was wide open for the touchdown. After a failed PAT, the clock ticked down, and the game was done.

Some other Indians of note in the game were Lane "Train" Davis, who rushed for 47 yards and caught two passes for 11 more. Taylor Cain caught one for 11, and Jacob Bunton had 3 for 24. Rance Cook also had a reception for a whopping 34 yards(!).

Picture Time!

Little Did Michael Shelton know his destiny would be to save the game...

Frankie made all of us proud -- I believe he's been dubbed "Frankie the Fish" by some of his peers, but I am not sure. Sounds like a mob gangster, to me. I like it!

Donnie Garcia started the scoring for Coahoma with this run.

Kirk Whitehurst's sack is one of the many highlights of Jim Ned's defensive play.

Ballinger beat Brady 28-13 (2-0)
Bangs beat Clyde 34-21 (2-0)
Early beat Dublin 55-0 (dang!!) (2-1)
Coleman lost to Sonora, 6-14 (1-2)
Jim Ned beat Grape Creek 32-0 (1-2)
San Saba lost to Goldthwaite 14-21 (1-2)