Grand Saline earns Red Zone Game Ball after thriller over Joaquin

GRAND SALINE, Texas (KLTV) - Entering Week 5 of the high school football season, the Grand Saline Indians have plenty of reason to celebrate after pulling off a dramatic 36-35 comeback victory over a tough Joaquin squad in Week 4.

The thrilling win earned Grand Saline the Red Zone Game Ball of the Week, presented by KLTV’s Michael Coleman.

Grand Saline head coach Joe Drennon—now in his second stint holding the honors since taking the helm—credited his team’s grit after falling behind by multiple scores late in the game.

“We got down a couple of scores, and our kids said if we put this thing in, we’re going to win,” Drennon said. “I tell people all the time, we may lose a ball game before that thing is over with, but you’re going to have to beat us. Because our kids will fight to the end.”

After scoring to cut into the deficit, kicker Daniel Esquivel pinned Joaquin deep with what Drennon called “the best kick I’ve ever seen in my life.” Backed up near their own goal line, Joaquin was halted when Grand Saline’s Eli Ivy blew through the line on a blitz, forcing a fumble at the 2-yard line.

Joe scooped up the loose ball and crossed the goal line for a touchdown. On the ensuing play, Kolton Prox punched in the go-ahead two-point conversion to seal the 36-35 victory.

“How about those Indians?” Drennon added