For the 2nd time this season, the Cherokee Indians have faced a top 25 opponent and given them all they could handle. The Indians dropped a heartbreaker to the Loraine Bulldogs, 26-28, as the Indian’s final play from scrimmage came up just yards short as the clock ran out. Penalties and missed blocking assignments cost the Indians precious yards against a bigger, hard hitting Loraine team. The Indians found the field at Eden treacherous for sharp cuts which stopped a few offensive plays before they got started. Although the miscues stand out, the Indians did do a lot of things right in this game. Playing opponents of this caliber should help prepare the Indians for district play.

The Indians opened the scoring mid-way through the 1st quarter as Josh Brown passed to Stephen Austermann for a 15 yard TD. Tucker Corsi added the PAT. The Indians stopped the Bulldogs next series as Ryan Breadner recovered a Bulldog fumble.

The Indians were unable to capitalize on the turnover.

Just under 4 minutes into the 2nd quarter, Loraine got their first TD on a 2 yard run after a pass interference penalty on the Indians extended the drive. The PAT was good. The two teams were tied at 8 apiece. With 3:38 remaining in the half, Loraine scored on a 40 yard interception return. The PAT failed. The Indians came back on their next possession as Corsi connected with Brown on a 37 yard pass play. The PAT failed. The score was tied at 14-14. The Bulldogs took the lead again on a 2 yard run with 0:06 remaining on the clock . The PAT was good. Loraine led 14-22 at halftime.

1:47 into the 3rd quarter, Corsi took it to the house on a 50 yard run. The PAT failed, leaving the Indians trailing by 2, 20-22.

Loraine scored next on a 9 yard run with 3:50 left in the quarter. The PAT failed, but the Bulldogs were up by 8, 20-28. The Indians got the ball down to the 1 yard line on their next possession but lost yards on consecutive plays and Loraine took over on downs.

The Indians scored the only touchdown of the 4th quarter with 6:46 left in the game. Austermann passed to Brown who finished the 42 yard pass play in the endzone. The PAT was blocked and the Indians trailed by 2, 26-28. The Indians held the Bulldogs and got the ball back for one last chance. The Indians took 1 step forward, then 2 steps back before Nieves Solis made a valiant run from scrimmage to make up the lost yardage. This set up a huge 4th down run by Corsi to get the 1st down. Time then became the enemy of the Indians. The Indian’s last play from scrimmage came up short of the endzone as the clock expired.

The Indians play at Gustine, Friday at 7:30. Come out and support the Indians.