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Indians in control
Daniel Elizondo, Sports Editor - Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Jourdanton defensive backs Robert Serna (15) forces a fumble on a Natalia ball carrier whiile Colton Hurt dives to recover the loose ball. Jourdanton survived the fumble fest with a 26-18 victory. (Express photo by Joe David Cordova)

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Jourdanton hangs tough, now set for final deciding game.

JOURDANTON – At the start of summer workouts, Jourdanton Head Coach Wayne Johnson figured that what this team needed was a chance to be in the playoffs.

On Friday night, even if it took an ugly win, it was all that mattered in this situation.
Jourdanton gave Coach Johnson that chance and stood tough in a 26-18 win over the Natalia Mustangs at Indian Stadium.

“This was a good win for us. An ugly win,” said Johnson. “It was frustrating that we moved the ball and then would make a mistake. But we hung in there.”

Between both teams there were 11 fumbles lost and the Indians lost three of its fumbles inside the 10-yard line in Mustangs’ territory.

Jourdanton gained 388 yards of offense including 305 rushing yards.

The win sets up Jourdanton’s final game of the season on Friday, November 6 against Dilley and a chance for third place in District 31-2A and a berth in the playoffs.

“For this to be the last game of the year and to still have a shot in the playoffs means a lot,” added Johnson. “We’re looking forward to this game and hope we can do what we couldn’t last year.”
Jourdanton was in the same situation one year ago and was shutout by Dilley 24-0 for a shot at the playoffs.

The Indians opened up Friday’s game with an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Jerry Cruz.
Midway through the second quarter, Jourdanton doubled its lead 14-0 after a 2-yard buck by senior quarterback Stefan Campos.

Natalia was sparked with a 32-yard run by quarterback Josiah Ramsey to cut into Jourdanton’s lead 14-6 going into halftime.

Natalia matched Jourdanton to open the third quarter and opened the second half with an 80-yard kickoff return for a touchdown to pull closer to Jourdanton 14-12.

Into the fourth quarter, Campos added a 25-yard run to extend the Indians lead 20-12. Campos led Jourdanton with 92 yards rushing on 15 carries.

Natalia answered on the ensuing drive with a 2-yard run by Ramsey to make the score 20-18.

The Indians didn’t give in and followed with a 53-yard TD run by Robert Lopez for a 26-18 score.

Lopez finished with 82 yards rushing on eight carries. Cruz finished with 81 yards on 10 carries and Ricky Diaz finished with 50 yards on 12 carries.

Roger Aguero caught one pass for 31 yards and Mark Gawlik caught one pass for 28 yards. Campos completed four of nine passes for 83 yards and no interceptions.

Jourdanton (5-4, 3-2) has a bye week on Friday before its match with Dilley.