1A Team of the Week: Prairie Lea Indians
It has been 80 years since Prairie Lea last made the playoffs. As of last Friday, that streak is officially over.
The Indians destroyed Runge 52-7 to seal their first playoff berth since 1944 (the school didn’t field a program from 1961-2001).
And although it has been a season to remember for Prairie Lea with the Indians currently sitting at 7-2, this is an accomplishment that goes well beyond the walls of the locker room.
“This community has been through a lot recently, including the tragic loss of two student athletes over the past five years and a struggle to find hope for success in athletics,” Prairie Lea head coach Steven Brown said. “So this playoff berth is much more than a football accomplishment – it is a sign of positive change for Prairie Lea.”
Tonight we honored our seniors that were playing and our senior we lost last year – DJ Cubit, Jr. We know he is smiling down on us.
They have put in the work and ended the 80 year playoff drought! We play for a district championship next week – let’s go Indians! pic.twitter.com/RsBPEHPaxB
— Prairie Lea Athletics – Texas High School (@theprairielea) November 2, 2024
On the field, Prairie Lea found plenty of success in the ground game against Runge. Jimmy Soberanes had 152 yards and five touchdowns on just nine carries. Lane Fiscus also hit the century mark with 141 rushing yards and two scores.
Defensively, Joe Zapata was literally all over the field. He had ten tackles and a scoop n’ score.
The seven wins Prairie Lea has this season already matches its total from the previous four years combined. Brown said it’s a testament to the dedication he’s seen from his players.
“The kids have bought into the change over the past two years and this year they are getting to reap the harvest of the work they have put in, Brown said. “Faith, hard work, dedication and commitment are the areas we try to focus on with our student-athletes. After 80 years there is no more drought, and I truly believe that this football program has a brighter future.”
Prairie Lea may well not be done with accomplishing historic feats this season either. Next up, the Indians will try to secure the district title this Friday when they travel to Knippa.
Previous 1A Teams of the Week
Week One: Jayton
Week Two: Northside
Week Three: Dawson
Week Four: Claude
Week Five: Perrin-Whitt
Week Six: Saint Jo
Week Seven: Bronte
Week Eight: Springlake-Earth
Week Nine: Medina
