Triad quarterback Derek Bails (3) tries to get free of two Mechanicsburg Indians as he attempts to find an open man downfield. (Journal-Tribune photo by Aleksei Pavloff)
While it seemed like a joyous Homecoming for the Cardinals, Mechanicsburg’s disciplined offense proved too much for the home team as the Indians routed Triad, 49-14, on Friday.
The scoring started early for the visiting Indians, who marched 63 yards on two plays.
They scored roughly a minute into the contest on their first series.
For much of the first half, momentum stayed on Mechanicsburg’s side of the field.
The Indians scored 35 points during the first half.
The Cardinals’ first-half performance was less than desired.
Missed assignments on offense and tackling issues plagued Triad for much of the first half, leaving the home team with an empty side of the score board.
However, the tide began to change in the Cardinals’ favor in the second half.
In terms of offensive performance, Triad equaled Mechanicsburg as far as the score.
Both teams produced two touchdowns after the break.
With a running clock for the remainder of the fourth quarter, the Indians claimed another victory to remain undefeated.
When it came to moving the ball through the air, Mechanicsburg raked in a total of 188 yards and one touchdown, compared to Triad’s 40 yards.
The Indians stayed vigilant on the defensive end with two interceptions against Triad QB Derek Bails.
When it came to moving the rock on the ground, Triad’s Hayden Simpson churned for 118 yards in the team’s total of 160.
Mechanicsburg was all over the field, moving the ball 268 yard on the ground.
Triad coach Dylan Wears complimented the Indians on their win, but said it’s now a new day and a new opponent – Fairbanks – is waiting.
“[We need] to keep the same mindset we’ve had all season,” he said. “We just have to watch the film.
“We need to fix the things we need to improve on and get better at the things we are already good at.”
Prior to Friday’s matchup, Wears explained his team was shorthanded after five-to-six Cardinals players were ruled out due injury.
However, a football team is much like a hydra of the mythic legends — once one head is gone, another takes its place.
“We don’t want to make excuses,” Wears said. “With that being said… it’s the next man up… we plan to get right back to work.”
Triad will host Fairbanks on Friday.