It was another nail-biter
for the Jaybirds, who found themselves trailing 34-20 late in the 3rd quarter—but they would out score Petersburg 20-0 in the final 12 minutes to defeat the Buffaloes 40-34 Thursday night in Petersburg.
It is the second week in a row during which Jayton has been hindered by an injured roster.
Head coach Josh Stanaland commented on the game: “A lot like last week…we have kids in new positions and kids stepping up. The injury bug has gotten us. Praying for Ayden Salazar (12 rushes - 83 yards – 2TD), he got a concussion tonight [in the 2nd quarter]; Jayden Rivera was out.”
But this time the Jaybirds would find a way to overcome. “We are short on running backs so we threw it a lot,” said Stanaland. “Ryan Bleiker called a masterful second half offensively, and I’m proud of our kids.”
Indeed, it was the newfound air attack that saw the Jaybirds soar to victory. Stanaland praised his passing offense. “[Caleb] Beck (9 rec/169 yds/2 TD) …he’s as good as anyone we’ve ever had high pointing the football. Colt Gentry (4 rec /105 yds /1 TD) is great.”
Stanaland continued with his praise for standout players. “Justin Collins (4 rec/40 yds) had a huge game catching the ball. Sean Stanaland (22/33 – 332 yds/ 4TD) had a rough first half but kept his head up and stood in there and delivered the ball and made some huge throws. None of them were wide open, every kid had to fight for it.”
With 54 seconds left in the game it was the 38-yard touchdown pass from Stanaland to Gentry that put the Jaybirds up by 6. Then it would be up to the defense to close the door. Petersburg quickly moved to the Jaybird 20 and had a chance to tie the game, but freshman Bode Ham reminded the Buffalos that the air belongs to the Jaybirds by intercepting their 3rd down pass and sealing this one for Jayton.
The Jaybirds return to action next Thursday night at Silverton at 7:30 p.m.
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