#13 Apaches run away from Blinn in homecoming win 52-27
By Phil Hicks phicks@tylerpaper.com Oct 14, 2023
With starting quarterback Jaden Pete sidelined, Josh Thomas knew he had to step up.
The freshman from Longview did just that, directing No. 13 TJC to a 52-27 victory over Blinn on Saturday as the Apaches celebrated homecoming at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium in Tyler.
Pete was hurt in the second half of last week's loss to New Mexico Military. TJC Coach Tanner Jacobson said Pete is projected to be out "four-to-six weeks."
Thomas filled his shoes admirably, tossing two TD passes and running for another. He hit on 15 of 23 passing attempts for 246 yards, while rushing for 33 yards on seven carries.
"We weren't surprised," Jacobson said of Thomas' performance. "The nice part of having a quarterback like Pete and having a quarterback like Josh, we didn't have to change our offense at all. ... I thought Josh came in and operated the offense, took advantage and did not force too much. He did a great job of extending plays with his feet."
Thomas got the Apaches' offense rolling early, tossing a 72-yard TD pass to speedy Tray Taylor on the third play of the game. After that touchdown in the first quarter, TJC scored 35 points in the second period for a 42-0 halftime lead.
"You've got to attribute that to the players, coming our ready to play," Jacobson said of the fast start. "We always talk about wanting to start fast. I felt like we have done that the major of the season. We tried to put them away early. Disappointed how we finished the second half, but happy with the game."
Tyler improves to 4-2 on the season and 3-1 in Southwest Junior College Football Conference play. The Tribe is tied with Trinity Valley and Kilgore for first place. The Buccaneers fall to 2-5 and 0-5.
Along with starting fast, the Apaches won the turnover battle, 5-2.
TJC recovered four fumbles (Jacob Robinson, Zion Fonua, Ziggy Loa and Logan Johnson) and had an interception (Mike Ray).
Blinn Coach Ryan Mahon said too many turnovers were too much to overcome.
"We put our defense in bad situations, and they capitalized on it," Mahon said. "We had a tough time blocking up front and we were unable to run the ball. We have to stop finding a way to lose and find a way to win. We have to get out of our way and take care of the football."
After the long TD pass in the first quarter from Thomas to Taylor, Thomas directed five scoring drives in the second period. After John Solitaire scored on a 1-yard run, Fonua scooped up a fumble and returned it 55 yards for a TD. Christian Baxter added his third PAT and the Apaches led 21-0 with 10:30 showing before halftime.
The onslaught continued as Thomas threw a pass toward the end zone that no one could catch except for his teammate and Ja'Quan MaGee did just that, jumping high to snatch the ball for a 20-yard TD.
Tank Logan followed with a 13-yard TD dash at the 6:20 mark. Then with 14 seconds before halftime, Thomas called his own number for a 2-yard TD. Baxter's point after made it 42-0 at halftime.
The Buccaneers switched to third-string quarterback Rylan Wooten, a freshman from Brenham. He gave Blinn a boost as the Bucs outscored the Apaches, 27-10, in the second half.
Wooten ran for 53 yards and passed for 70 yards.
"We needed a spark, and I thought Wooten came in and played exceptionally well," Mahon said. "He has some fight in him. He used his feet to keep the defense honest and made plays, which is all we ask of the kids."
Wooten tossed TD passes of 18 yards to Richard Edwards and 15 yards to Kelton Weathers, while helping to keep several drives alive with his feet as the Bucs scored twice more on the ground.
Blinn pulled within 42-6 when Antonio Martin scored from the four with 7:32 showing in the third quarter. The Apaches blocked the extra point attempt.
Big Bama, Lamarian Hatcher, scored TJC's final TD with 6:15 on the clock in the third period.
TJC went to the jumbo package and sent the 6-1, 290-pounder into the game. Hatcher, who hails from Alabama and went to high school at Killeen Harker Heights, plowed his way into the end zone from the three. Baxter's PAT made it 49-6.
Edwards' TD reception pulled the Bucs within 49-13.
Baxter added a 37-yard field goal with 12:26 of the fourth quarter to pull TJC ahead 52-13.
Blinn added two more scores — 3-yard run by Junior Onipede and Wooten's TD pass to Weathers.
Other SWJCFC games on Saturday included: Trinity Valley defeated Navarro, 41-24; and Cisco won over New Mexico Military, 21-10.
Kilgore and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M were open.
The Saturday Oct. 21 games include: Tyler at Cisco, 1 p.m.; Louisiana Community at Navarro, 1 p.m.; Trinity Valley at Kilgore, 3 p.m.; and New Mexico Military at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, 3 p.m. Blinn is open.
QUEEN-KING
Kori Edmondson, representing the Black Student Association, was crowned Homecoming Queen, while Isaac Wells, also representing the Black Student Association, was crowned Homecoming King. 2022 Queen Emma Baumi and King Colm Graham made the presentation.
Jayleeann Roth, representing the Apache Belles, was voted Most Beautiful and Wells was voted Most Handsome.
Others on the Homecoming Court were First runner-up: Charlie Muller and Ethan Ramos (Apache Cheer); Second runner-up: Selina Zacharias and John Huss (Hispanic Student Organization); Third runner-up: Emma Bayless and Timon Ovard (Baptist Sudent Ministry) and Fourth runner-up: Emma Crosley (Fitness and Friends) and Bo Mills (Apache Chiefs).
WARRIOR SPIRIT AWARD
The Dental Studies Student Association won the Warrior Spirit Award. Student and Club organizations had competitions during Homecoming Week such as office decorating, supply drive, spirit banners, drum beat and other activities. Also, all student organizations gather more than 4,0000 supplies and food that was donated to the student resource center, which is located in Pirtle Technology.
TWITTER: @PhilHicksETFS