Lindsay comes up just short

LINDSAY — The Lindsay Cardinals lost a tight game to the visiting Wasco Tigers 29-33, Friday night at Frank Skadan Stadium.

Wasco put together a nine-play drive for the own go-ahead score with 1:13 left in the fourth quarter. The touchdown was a four yard carry to the right by Tigers’ senior running back D’Abrae Dugon. The Cardinals’ got as close as the Tigers’ 45-yard line, but turned the possession over on downs.

“That’s what footballs all about. When it goes down to the last few seconds, it doesn’t get any better,” Lindsay head coach John Paredez said. “It’s a tough loss. My guys played their hearts out. That to me takes precedence over anything else.”

Lindsay played tough all night, nearly coming out of the game with a win.

After the Cardinals’ forced back to back three-and-outs late in the fourth quarter, it only took one play for sophomore quarterback Gary Baker to find senior running back/wide receiver Jordan Lara for a 45-yard touchdown pass off of a scramble that forced Baker to his right side, leaving 3:36 left in the remainder of the game. Baker finished the game 9-for-22, 185 yards passing, and two touchdowns.

Though the numbers weren’t overly impressive, the young quarterbacks poise allowed him to make keys plays in tight situations.

“That kid when we first pulled him up, was a deer looking in headlights,” said Paredez regarding Baker. “Now he comes out tonight, looking like Brett Favre. I couldn‘t ask for anything more.”

However, Baker received tremendous help from the overall play of Lara. Lara compiled 171 total yards and two huge touchdowns; a 58-yard carry right up the middle to give Lindsay their first score and the 45-yard reception to give them their only lead of the night.

“He’s our guy when we need him,” Paredez said. “But this team isn’t about individuals. It’s about togetherness.”

The Cardinals’ did close the gap on 13-point lead before halftime with only nine seconds remaining in the second. After a 25-yard punt return by Lara that set his team up at their own 40 yard line, Lindsay scored on a four yard completion from Baker to senior Francisco Silva on a drive that took 11-plays and just over three minutes.

“We’re getting better every week,” said Paredez. “We’re going to do some things.”

Wasco 7 13 7 6 — 33

Lindsay 6 7 3 13 — 29