photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Players strain to get a hand on the Thursday Night Lights trophy presented to the winning team at the conclusion of the televised game on CW35.
The varsity football team beat the Harlandale Indians at Gus Stadium this past Thursday, 49-28, in exciting fashion. This is the first three-win start since the 2000 football season.
Heading into the homecoming game, the crowd was eager to see the Huskies take the field and see them compete. The players and coaching staff were yearning to play against the Indians and keep the winning streak alive.
Senior Jesse Vara was starting for the Huskies Varsity football team for only the second time out of his high school football career. His first career start was a success against the Southwest Dragons as they beat them 21-14 in a thrilling match, where he threw for 137 yards and a touchdown, and also ran for 53 yards to add to his impressive performance.
The first half, both teams put up a decent amount of points and gave the crowd some great action on the field. The first two scores came from the the Indians in the first quarter. It was a quick and powerful statement by the Indians as they showed they were ready to play.
“It just made us mad [and] angry. We knew we had to bounce back and make a statement,” senior Ethan Ramirez said.
photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Senior Mason Meffert and junior Benny Cruz close in on Harlandale’s quarterback, causing a pressured, hurried throw.
Make a statement they did, as they outscored the Indians 14-7 and put themselves right back in the game.
Vara had a one yard rushing touchdown making the score 14-7 and threw a pass to senior Quentrevious Wright for a 26 yard touchdown reception, finalizing the score in the first half, 21-14, Indians.
After all of the homecoming festivities during halftime, it was right back to Texas football in the second half. Except this time around, it was complete domination by the Huskies on the field.
The Huskies ran up the score from the very start of the third quarter, putting the Indians in a tough spot. Senior John Duhon made an exceptional play as he caught a 10-plus yard pass from the line of scrimmage , and sprinted up field resulting in a 57 yard touchdown completion from Vara making the score tied at 21.
photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Senior John Duhon sees open field after a block downfield from junior Quentrevious Wright. Duhon scored on the play, putting a bigger gap between the Huskies and the Indians.
The two seniors, Vara and Duhon, also connected for a 48 yard touchdown making the score 35-21. But that was after a four yard touchdown pass to junior Quentrevious Wright.
The last two scores came from sophomore D’ Qurian Haney and Junior Marquis Jones. Haney had a two yard rushing touchdown making the score 42-21. And Marquis Jones put the finishing touches with a 3 yard touchdown run finalizing the score 49-28 in an impressive victory.
The Huskies defense made some minor adjustments in the first half and in the process completely threw the Indians out off their rhythm in the second half. The Huskies defense played a huge role in the victory against the Harlandale Indians.
Jesse Vara had an extraordinary game, he threw for over 250 yards and 4 touchdowns. He even ran for 93 yards and one touchdown. For all his efforts and hard work, he was awarded the MVP award .
“It felt good to receive the award, but really it should have went to the whole team,” Vara said.
photo by Ryan Kalka
CAPTION: Senior quarterback Jesse Vara receives his game MVP award from the crew of CW35’s Thursday Night Lights, who televised the game.
Tonight the Huskies play against Stevens at Gus Stadium around 7:00 p.m in hopes to continue their win streak. Always remember to support our Huskies, no matter the outcome. Go Huskies Go.