The Cherokee Indians came away with their first victory of the season last Friday night by defeating the Moran Bulldogs 52-6. The Indians did a good job of blocking and tackling while committing only 1 turnover and having 1 offensive series that went backwards on penalties.

The Indians scored their first touchdown on an 8 yard run by Tucker Corsi 2:54 into the game. Dillon Epperson kicked the extra point to make the score 8-0.

The 2nd quarter saw a lot of action which began at the 9:16 mark with Hector Jimenez breaking loose for a 50 yard TD run. Epperson added the PAT kick, making the score 16-0.

Moran came back with their only touchdown of the game, scoring on a 6 yard pass play. Their PAT failed, cutting the Indian’s lead to 16-6. The Indians fumbled the ball away on their next possession, but the defense kept the Bulldogs out of the endzone. With 2:29 remaining in the half, Jimenez scored on a 40 yard run. Epperson’s PAT was good. The Indians led 24-6. Moran’s next possession ended as Corsi came up with a fumble recovery for the Indians. With 0:53 remaining, quarterback Nieves Solis was being chased from the 5 yard line back to the 35 yard line when he located Epperson in the endzone for the TD reception. The PAT was blocked, but the Indians had a 30-6 lead at halftime.

The Indians went to work early in the 3rd quarter with Jimenez scoring his third touchdown on an 11 yard run. Epperson added the PAT. Midway through the 3rd quarter, Epperson intercepted a Bulldog pass and returned it 74 yards for a touchdown. Epperson then booted the PAT to put the Indians up 46-6. With 3:34 left in the quarter, Josh Perry grabbed a Bulldog interception and returned it 48 yards for the game-ending touchdown at 52-6.

The Indians are still a bit hobbled by injuries, but with Jesse Perez’ probable return this week, the Indians will have their full squad back.The Indians travel to Lometa Friday night. Gametime is 7:30.