Quarterback Tate Yardley led the comeback with three touchdowns through the air, and then came up with not only the biggest play of the game, but the biggest play of the season for the Indians. After scoring on a Xavier Wishert touchdown run, Yardley hit wide receiver Zach Henderson on the ensuing two point conversion on a corner fade for the victory.
Jim Ned started heavy with the run game, and stayed with it during the game even when they struggled. Wishert ended the ball game with 186 yards rushing and one touchdown, and he also won defensive MVP of the game.
Even after going down 21 points to a strong Hallettsville team, Jim Ned coach Matt Fanning made sure to keep his troops in the ballgame.
“We know we are never out of the fight, we made some mistakes but we were able right the ship and get back in it.” Fanning Said. “We had to get back to us, they had a fantastic gameplay and we panicked and went to some things that were not us. We knew if we were going to get back into it we were going to have to play our type of ball”.
Jim Ned also picked up a huge fumble on a Brooks run here and the momentum shifted there. Jim Ned was able to mix the run and passing game to keep the Hallettsville defense on there heels, and ultimately ended their season.
Jim Ned came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, the biggest takeaway for the Indians would be how they adjusted to University of Texas signee Jonathon Brooks who had a record breaking game.
Brooks had 300 yards rushing in the game, setting a new 3A State championship game record. Brooks was all over the field for Hallettsville, leading the team offensively, making plays on defense, and even playing special teams as the teams punter and punt returner.
