TYLER, Texas — The No. 7 TJC Apaches punched their ticket to the Conference Championship final with a 28-17 win over rival Kilgore College.
They are now aiming to secure their first conference championship since 2000, with No. 6 Navarro standing in their way.
"We started out the season underperforming compared to how we wanted to, but then we rallied with the streak that we had," said Head Coach Tanner Jacobson. "To be here is something we expected, and we're excited for the opportunity to go prove it."
The Apaches dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season, including quarterback Tre Guerra. Despite the setbacks, they rallied to achieve a 7-3 overall record.
"I'm ready to get my 'get back.' I got injured early on, and it hurt us, but now I feel good. I'm healed up, and I'm ready to go," said Guerra. "I think it was just our attitude going into Monday practices—everyone was on the same page. We had good leadership on the team and great coaches who really pushed us to that new place. And yeah, I think that's what set us apart."
Kickoff between TJC and Navarro is Saturday, November 23, at Rose Stadium. The winner will advance to the Heart of Texas Bowl on December 7 in Commerce.
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