Lindale Takes Out Jacksonville, 36-34 to Close District
LINDALE – The Jacksonville Indians gave the Lindale a big scare, but came back to rally for a 36-34 win over the Tribe in the District 9-5A finale at Eagle Stadium on Friday night.
The win assures Lindale second place in the standings, and a home playoff berth next week.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Eagles got on the board first.
Eagle quarterback Dillon Heinaman capped off a 64-yard drive, running the final 30 yards for the touchdown and the lead. Heinaman ran for the PAT also and made it an 8-0 contest.
On the ensuing kickoff a big special teams play got the Indians started.
Chris Carpenter took the kickoff at his 2-yard line, and raced down the sideline for a touchdown, cutting the Lindale lead to 8-7.
After the Indians kickoff it took four plays into the next Eagle drive, when the Indian defense made a big play.
The Indians got an interception from defensive back Steven Gallegos, The junior made the pick from 49 yards away, scoring his second TD of the year and the second TD within a minute to give the Indians a 14-8 advantage.
A 64-yard drive was capped off when junior quarterback Tristen Shewmake bulled in from one yard out, giving Jacksonville a 21-8 lead.
The Eagles managed to fight back with a late score before the halftime break.
Heinaman found receiver Brennan Moore for a 20-yard scoring strike with six seconds before the break to make it 21-15 at intermission.
The Eagles started the second half at the Tribe 49-yard line, and it took only three plays and one minute for the Eagles to erase the lead.
Heinaman found Colton Brown on a crossing route from 15-yards out, and another PAT boot from Landon Lowe, made it a 22-21, Lindale lead.
Lindale tacked on another score on the next drive.
Starting at the Indians 46-yard line, once again, Heinaman found a wide out, Dylan Worrell across the middle for the final 15-yards, in a seven play, 54-yard drive.
Jacksonville came back to keep it close in the third quarter, as Shewmake, and Joydaysion Thompson hooked up on a 7-yard TD toss. The PAT run failed to leave the game at a 29-27 Eagle lead.
The Eagles were on the drive as the fourth quarter began and eventually capped off with another Heinaman to Colton Brown TD from 15 yards out to make it 36-27.
The Indians fought back to make it exciting by scoring with 59 seconds left in the game.
Signal-caller Shewmake found Jaylon Freeney from 11 yards away.
A failed onside kick for the Indians went out of bounds and the Eagles rode the clock out for the win.
The Tribe ends the season with a 3-7, 2-5 record. Lindale (6-4; 5-2), will play host to Montgomery, next Friday night.