Apache Football Win Top-Ten Showdown in Utah

EPHRAIM, UT –Three forced turnovers, two blocked field goals, and a safety powered the No. 8 Tyler Junior College Football team to a top-10 road victory over No. 5 Snow College on Thursday, September 4.

The Apaches improved to 2-0 on the year, while the Badgers moved to 2-1.

The Apaches jumped out of the gate to a 16-0 lead before the half after a pair of costly turnovers from the Badgers put Tyler in scoring position.

In the first quarter, TJC's offense stalled in the first two drives. A fourth down stop by the TJC defense kickstarted a 6 play, 44 yard drive ending in a Luke Ullrich touchdown in the Wildcat formation. A punt attempt from the Badgers in the second half flew over the head of the punter, forcing a safety and giving the Apaches a 9-0 lead with 5:15 left in the first quarter.

With 24 seconds left in the first half, TJC quarterback Tre Guerra hit Elijah Baesa with a slant over the middle for a 30-yard TD.

In the second half, TJC's Kerry Williams blocked a punt to put the Apaches in the red zone. A fumble on the 2-yard line gave the ball back to the Badgers, who fumbled on their first play, returning possession to TJC.

Guerra hit Jordan Green for a 6-yard TD extending the TJC lead to 23-0.

An interception from Apaches Willie Nelson on the following drive set up a 26-yard field goal from Daniel Matthys to make it 26-0.

Two fourth quarter scores with a pair of failed 2-pt conversions gave the Badgers their 12 points.

TJC opens region play on Saturday, Sept.13 against Trinity Valley Community College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bruce Field in Athens, Texas.

NOTES:

• The game was the first football meeting between the two schools.
• The win marks the first time since 2018 TJC Football has won the first two games of the season
• With 2 interceptions against the Badgers the Apache Defense ranks 5th in the nation in Interceptions (4).
• Guerra threw for a season-high 287 yards and a pair of touchdowns while completing 71% of his passes.
• Freshman Apache Gentz Hilburn finished with a career high 7 catches and 107 receiving yards.
• Baesa hauled in his team-leading third touchdown on Thursday.