TJ gets its first win of the season in dramatic fashion.
Photo by Becca Hansen
On Thursday, October 6, Senior Quarterback Brandon Gonzales threw for two touchdown passes, including the game winner, and the Spartans came out with the win 28-21 against the Lincoln Lancers.
Head Coach Tim Owens said after the game, “Everyone finally played together as a team. We seemed to all be on the same page, and I’m proud for the guys.” The Spartans were only down at one point in the game, 7-6, late in the first quarter. TJ dominated on the offensive side of the ball, with over 200 yards of offense.
Gonzales threw his first touchdown pass to wide receiver Jamal Shields, who split the secondary and trotted into the endzone. Shields said about that play, “Everything seemed to work out. I was open and (Gonzales) found me for a quick touchdown.” That play alone went for 50 yards.
The Spartans then cut down that Lancers linemen, and ran for two touchdowns. One by Senior Antonio Clark and the other by Senior Raycell Rush. TJ found an edge outside the tackles and obtained most of their rushing yards in this area. The game remained close though, with TJ never going up by more than seven points.
The fourth quarter was the most exciting. The TJ defense was gassed and had a hard time stopping Lancers running back JD Rosales, who ran for a 12-yard touchdown to even the game at 21-21 with under six minutes left in the game. The Spartans had to trust the left arm of Gonzales from that point forward. He lead the team down the field and threw the final touchdown pass to Shields. The defense came through, especially Junior Lineman Marcus Allen, who had three consecutive sacks.
TJ looks to get another victory next Saturday against George Washington at All City at 1 p.m. It will be TJ’s Homecoming football game.
9/2/11Vs. Columbine L TJ-14 Columbine-48
9/8/11@ Chaparral L TJ-0 Chaparral-41
9/16/11Vs. Heritage L TJ-0 Heritage-29.
9/23/11Vs. South L TJ-7 South-39
9/30/11@Lakewood L TJ-7 Lakewood-33
10/6/11 Vs.Lincoln W TJ-28 Lincoln-21
10/15/11Vs. George Washington @All City Field1:00 p.m.
10/21/11Vs. East @All City Field7:00 p.m.
