The Cherokee Indians kept their playoff hopes alive by defeating the Lohn Eagles last Friday night, 54-6, before a large homecoming crowd. The game was over at halftime, but the crowd stayed to see the Homecoming activities. This victory, coupled with Zephyr’s 1 point victory over Panther Creek, sets up the showdown this Friday at Panther Creek for 2nd place in the district and a trip to the first round of playoffs.

The Indians started the game a little slow, letting the Eagles score just 45 seconds after the initial kickoff. Lohn missed the PAT and this ended the scoring for the Eagles as the Indian defense tightened up. The Indians took the lead when Hector Jimenez scored on a 45 yard run and Dillon Epperson added the PAT kick. Epperson scored the next TD after intercepting an Eagle pass and returning it 15 yards to the endzone. Epperson added the PAT. Jimenez ended the next Eagle possession with a fumble recovery. This led to a 4 yard TD run by Jesse Perez. Epperson added the PAT. The 1st quarter ended with Cherokee on top 24-6.

Early in the 2nd quarter, Epperson connected with Tucker Corsi for a 43 yard TD play. Epperson kicked the PAT. Nieves Solis recovered a fumble on the Eagles’ ensuing possession. This led to the next Indian score as Epperson and Jimenez connected on a 35 yard pass play. Epperson’s PAT was good. Jimenez got the ball back for the Indians on an interception and then scored on the first play from scrimmage on a 16 yard run. Epperson remained perfect on PATs. Jimenez got his second interception of the game to put the ball back in the Indians’ hands. In a wild turn of events, the Indians’ lost a fumble to the Eagles who fumbled it back to the Indians where Mikey Smith came up with the recovery. With 0:27 remaining in the half, Jimenez finished his busy night with a 40 yard TD run. The PAT failed. Lohn was unable to score and the game ended at the half with the Indians on top 54-6.

As stated earlier, the 11th ranked Indians (6-3) will travel to 7th ranked Panther Creek (6-3) Friday to play for the runner-up spot in Division II District 13. Kickoff is 7:30.

Lady Indians Qualify 1 for CC Regional Meet

Senior Judy Fairchok placed 3rd at the District Cross Country meet held at Eden last week. Judy will run this Saturday in the regional CC meet at Arlington.