By Mark Nobles/Special to the Times-Review
ALVARADO — The Alvarado Indians’ (5-4, 3-1) defense came up big in the first half of their district 12-3A showdown with Crandall (5-4, 2-2). The secondary had three interceptions off tipped passes with two in its own end zone.
The two touchdown-saving interceptions, along with a missed Crandall field goal sent the game to halftime in a scoreless tie.
The Indian’s offense managed to break into the Pirates’ red zone only once in the opening half, but turned the ball over on downs.
Alvarado head coach Jeff Dixon and his staff made adjustments and the Indians came out and dominated the final two quarters.
Quarterback Travis Pruitt opened the scoring with a 34-yard touchdown pass to Chance Means with 6:14 to play in the third and converted the two point conversion. Tyler Bates picked off a Tucker Mallon pass on the Pirates’ ensuing possession and ran it back 42 yards for another quick score, giving the Indians a 15-0 lead with 5:44 to play in the third.
Fullback Wayne Onderdonck busted loose on a 68-yard run up the gut to give the Indians a 22-point lead.
The Pirates fought back on a two-yard score by Terrence Johnson with 1:44 left in the third quarter. The score was set up by a 45-yard pass from Mallon to Collin Mathis.
The teams traded possessions until Onderdonck again broke loose for a 22-yard plunge with 3:04 left.
Crandall put the final points on the board on an eight-yard pass from Mallon to Reid Baker.
The two point conversion failed.
