Throughout the regular season, the Jayton Jaybirds faced tough questions. Can Jay-ton play well against stronger opponents? Will they struggle having to play a full game due to defeating almost all of their opponents by halftime? These questions and others like them have been asked by those who have wondered if this Jaybird team is for real. The number one team in Division 2, the Grandfalls-Royalty Cowboys, met Jayton in Garden City to help outside spectators have their questions answered.
The Jaybirds silenced all of their critics, defeating the Cowboys 72 to 32. In a game that went back and forth in the first and second quarters, the Jaybirds were forced to stay disciplined against Grandfalls-Royalty’s strong offense. The Jaybird defense stopped the Cowboys on their first drive and relied on their running game to find themselves with a chance to score first and gain an early advantage. Instead, the Jaybirds fumbled and gave the ball back to the Cowboys, who scored quickly on the next drive.
Jayton, who lost junior running back Pecos Smith to injury, relied on their balanced offensive attack, with strong running from senior Tye Scogin (226 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns) and big passing plays from senior quarterback Aaron Hernandez (2 passing and 1 rushing touchdowns) to seniors Evan Cheyne (2 touchdowns) and Camron Benavides (1 touchdown). The Jaybirds and Cowboys went back and forth for several series.
It wasn’t until the middle of the 2nd quarter that the game began to turn in favor of Jayton. Cheyne and senior Thomas Mullen provided great defensive help along with Benavides and junior Caleb Valerio. Grandfalls-Royalty, who have a dynamic offense, were not able to stay comfortable for long, as the Jaybirds closed gaps and kept containment play after play. The defense helped the Jaybirds gain a two-score advantage going into the second half.
The second half was dominated by the Jaybirds, who only allowed one score over two quarters. Offensively, Hernandez directed a mistake-free offense, and Scogin showed spectators why teams have spent years trying to cover him. Freshman Nathanial Williams made a huge catch close to the goal line on a third down to set up an important Jaybird score. The final blow came when Cheyne caused a fumble so Jayton could finish the game.
The Jaybirds will play Blackwell on Friday, Nov. 2, in Borden County at 6:30 p.m. in the state quarterfinal. Blackwell, who is 12 and 0 on the season (like Jayton), will look to avenge their loss to the Jaybirds in the playoffs last season. Smith, who provides help on offense and defense, will be unable to play due to injury. The Jaybirds will continue to focus on their approach and prepare to play their best game possible.
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