TJC Nears National Title with One More Victory
Tyler Junior College (TJC) is on the verge of another significant milestone as they approach their NJCAA national title chase. The Apaches are looking to secure their first national championship since 1960. This comes on the heels of a historic season, which includes winning their first conference championship since 2000 and completing the regular season undefeated for the first time in 63 years.
TJC’s Path to the National Title
Ranked No. 3 nationally, TJC enters the NJCAA national semifinals with an impressive record of 11-0. They will face No. 2 Iowa Western, who holds a record of 10-1. This crucial matchup is set for 6 p.m. on Friday at Titan Stadium in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Matchup Overview
The game is sure to be a thrilling contest, showcasing two high-powered offenses. The key details are as follows:
- TJC: Average points per game – 33.2
- Iowa Western: Average points per game – 40.9
Player Highlights
Quarterback Tre Guerra leads the Apaches, ranking second in the nation for passing yards per game at 253.8. His season statistics include:
- Passing Attempts: 338
- Passing Yards: 2,792
- Touchdowns: 24
- Interceptions: 11
Iowa Western counters with quarterback Malachi Marshall, who ranks seventh nationally with an average of 223.5 yards per game.
Offensive Weapons
The running back positions are vital for both teams. Notable performances include:
- TJC Running Backs:
- Bryce Burgess: 563 yards, 3 TDs
- James Lee: 439 yards, 4 TDs
- Ashton Haynes: 339 yards, 2 TDs
- Iowa Western Running Back:
- Daniel Swinney: 723 yards, 8 TDs
Defensive Stats
Defensively, TJC has allowed an average of 17.4 points per game, while Iowa Western has given up 14.5. Key defensive players for TJC include:
- Emmanuel Lawton (sophomore tackle)
- TJ Williams (sophomore linebacker)
- Justin Cottrell (sophomore defensive back)
- Janard Lockhart (sophomore cornerback)
As Iowa Western prepares for the semifinal, they bring a strong lineup, including linebacker Taylor Schaefer, who ranks second in the nation for tackles.
The Road Ahead
The winners of this semifinal will compete for the national championship on Wednesday, December 17, at Bain–Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium in Canyon, Texas. Coach Tanner Jacobson, in his fourth season, emphasizes the importance of each game as TJC aims for a perfect finish to a remarkable season.
The weather is expected to be cool in Council Bluffs, with highs around 38°F and no snow projected, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting battle on the field.
