Indians’ RB rushes for 176 yards, 2 TD in Donegal’s 1st win this season

Donegal was due.

The Indians knew all about the losing streak – 9 – which dated back to midway through the 2008 season.

After a close call in a 20-14 overtime loss to Eastern York in Week 2, and a wake-up call 45-0 loss to Lancaster Catholic in Week 4, all the pieces to the puzzle finally came together for the Indians in Week 5, when Donegal registered a 28-22 victory over Pequea Valley in an L-L League Section 3 game in Kinzers.

Donegal senior RB A.J. (short for Andrew John) Pacana had his hands – make that his feet – all over the Indians’ victory. The 6-0, 160-pound speedster had 15 carries for 176 yards – 11.7 yards per pop, by the way – and scored two touchdowns as Donegal snapped its losing streak and handed first-year coach Jeff Polites his victory as the Indians’ coach.

Pacana’s TD runs covered 36 and 49 yards, respectively, and his second TD burst gave Donegal the lead for good, as the Indians rallied from a 14-0 deficit and knocked off the Braves.

For his efforts – and for helping Donegal get off the losing train and back in the winner’s circle – Pacana is the LancSports.com Player of the Week.

Through five weeks, Pacana is the Indians’ leading rusher with 301 yards on 34 carries – good for a smooth 8.9 yards per carry.

I caught up with Pacana before practice Monday and we chatted about his big night, about what it meant to get a win, and about where he and the Indians hope to go from here.

You can listen to the interview by clicking on the ‘play’ button above.

You can also download the Podcast and listen to it on your favorite mp3 player by clicking here.