GRAPELAND -- Carlisle was taken aback when the Sandies opened Friday's District 11-2A Division I game with a 62-yard bomb.

The Indians bounced back, however, for a 63-14 win at Grapeland Sandies Stadium and are nipping at the heels of Alto and Kerens in the league race. The team answered the bell on its first offensive possession and scored the game's next five touchdowns for a 36-6 lead with 9:28 remaining in the third quarter.

Running back Tiburcio Garcia scored led Carlisle with three touchdowns, two runs for nine yards and a 25-yard scoring run.

Kicker Angel Garza connected on seven of eight point after attempts.

Collin Gray, Dalton Sanders, Bryce McGowan and Juan Hernandez had one touchdown apiece in the decisive win.

Carlisle (6-2, 2-1) will try to fend off Cayuga next week on the road. With a win, the Indians could compete with Kerens in the regular season finale for the second playoff spot.

Cayuga, in control of fourth place in the district, can move up to third place with a win against Carlisle.

Grapeland (1-7, 0-3) will visit Cross Roads. Both teams are currently winless in the district.

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