The Little Big Game, featuring the junior varsity Napa Indians and host Vintage Crushers, was the perfect prelude to the epic battle that would be the varsity contest.

In Little Big Game XXXVI, the Indians knocked off the Crushers in exciting fashion Friday night at Memorial Stadium with an 8-6 win.

The Indians got on the board first behind the running efforts of freshman Cody Johnson. Napa, which received the opening kickoff, marched downfield to put up six points with 4:13 left in the first quarter. Johnson scored on a toss from quarterback Charles Boyett. Boyett connected with Travis Kelham to complete the two-point conversion, putting Napa up 8-0.

Much of the excitement took place in the fourth quarter when Vintage (0-5, 1-9 overall) took the ball over on downs with under four minutes to go in the contest.

The Crushers’ Matt Orrick broke free for a 69-yard run to the end zone. With 3:01 left, Vintage was on the board trailing by two. A two-point PAT attempt was necessary to tie the game, but was stifled by the Indian defense.

Vintage attempted the onside kick following the score but the ball was recovered by the Indians’ Ben Pickett and with just seconds to go, Napa held on to the victory.

“I’m so proud of our kids,” Vintage head coach Jim Nunley said. “Throughout our season, we have been giving up about 40 points a game and to hold Napa to just eight (points) is a testament to how hard the kids have worked.”

Nunley was also impressed with his team’s defensive efforts. “We threw a different front at them because we knew how potent they could be. I’m just thrilled with our defensive play.”

Vintage’s Reed Huddleston recovered a Napa fumble to lead the Crusher defense.

The Napa victory gives the Indians their fifth win, second in league play.

“This team has overcome a lot of adversity this season. I’m so excited for them. They stayed positive and improved each week. Our record doesn’t reflect just how good this team is,” Napa head coach Nick Tedesco said. “The kids will never forget this night. I even got a little emotional afterwards.”

Napa finishes the season with a 2-3 league record (5-4-1 overall).