Jaybirds defeat Jaguars, remain unbeaten

With the fall weather finally settling in, Jayton Jaybird fans are looking forward to matchups that will influence playoff seedings. The Guthrie Jaguars challenged Jayton at home in their first district contest of the season. The community is hungry to chase the district championship that fell just out of Jayton’s reach last season. The Jaybirds began their quest by demolishing the Jaguars 50 to 0.

In a season when injuries have been an issue, spectators beheld the positive impact of the “next-man-up” mentality that Jayton has been forced to use. Younger players have been required to grow in their development this season and learn how to play at the varsity level. Jayden Rivera, who last year played junior high ballgames, has learned “east-and-west” running does not work the way it did in junior high. This concept seemed to click as Rivera rushed for 151 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding a receiving score. Rivera had several tough runs to cause nightmares for the Guthrie defense.

Senior Tye Scogin scored a rushing touchdown and threw for a touchdown in the game. Senior Aaron Hernandez’s lone pass to freshman Kaden Valerio resulted in a 32-yard touchdown. The wealth of offense was well distributed throughout the game among Rivera, Scogin, Hernandez, Valerio, and freshmen Nathaniel Williams and Ben Blankenship. Blankenship converted fur field goal attempts in the stead of injured kicker Tripp Scott.

Defensively, the Jaybirds were their usual selves as ball-hawking defenders. Guthrie was only able to gain two first downs on 83 yards total offense. Scogin and Rivera each recovered a fumble for the Jaybirds. Valerio led the way in tackles (12) followed closely by sophomore Julian Segura, who amassed 11 tackles on his own. Segura had several big hits that caused a loss of yardage for the Jaguars.

The Jaybirds, who are now 6 and 0 on their season, will play Roby at home on October 16 at 7:30 p.m. With several district games in front of them, Jayton must block out the temptation to think about the playoffs and focus on only what they can control by getting in better shape and preparing for each game. The Jayton fans will be there to support their community in droves on Friday.