Jayton fans were excited to gather at Jaybird Stadium last Thursday for their season opener against the Ira Bulldogs.
Going into the season, there was no doubt that senior running back Pecos Smith would be unquestioned leader of the team. What wasn’t completely clear was who else would rise to the occasion to provide leadership for a team that graduated several seniors last season.
Early in the first half, Smith was hobbled with an injury that forced him to miss several key snaps in the game. With the Jaybirds facing an early 22–6 deficit, others would have to step up and fill the void.
By the end of the game, there was no doubt that this Jayton Jaybirds team has many others capable of carrying the team to continued success. The defense shut down the Bulldogs offense in the second half, never allowing a score while fielding a punishing rushing attack to win the game 50–28. There were key moments in the game when Jayton had to keep their composure in order to keep Ira from taking the early advantage.
“We were calm in the locker room at halftime,” said head coach Josh Stanaland. “We made a couple of adjustments on defense that helped us in the second half. Pecos (Smith) had an issue with his hip early on, but he was able to get back in the game and help us in a huge way.”
Smith, who wound up with 6 touchdowns on the game (4 rushing, 1 passing, and 1 fumble return), took advantage of every opportunity he had on the field to impose his will on the Ira defense.
Senior Mason Long celebrating his seventeenth birthday, had a huge showing on both sides of the ball for the Jaybirds. Behind his 16 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and receiving touchdown, Ira was unable to keep him under control throughout the entire game.
“It was so much fun to play tonight,” said Long. “It was a little scary losing Pecos early on, but we know that this team is capable of doing a lot of good things when we work together.” Long, who didn’t play football last year, opened the eyes of the state on what he is capable of accomplishing this year.
Sophomore Kaden Valerio led the Jaybird defense in total tackles with 17. Valerio, Long, and Smith made double digit stops for Jayton. Senior Devon Jones recovered a fumble, and sophomore Jaydon Rivera forced a fumble of his own. Running back Caleb Valerio scored a fierce goal line touchdown to help the Jaybirds catch up with the Bulldogs. Behind the rushing attack of Smith, Valerio and Rivera, defenses will be forced to key on each of them.
The Jaybirds will be on the road Friday, September 4, against the Aspermont Hornets. The time has not yet been determined. Jayton will look forward to getting others into the fun as they look to make their case to be a top team in the state.
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