The Jayton Jaybirds entered last Friday’s game against the Guthrie Jaguars heavily favored to win at home in their district contest. Having only lost one game on the season, Jayton knew they would need to take care of business to ensure a perfect district record on their season. Spectators were excited to attend, knowing that the game was Senior Night and would give senior students and their guardians the chance to create special memories.
Jayton learned what every good team can experience, by overcoming a slow start against Guthrie to win the game 48–0.
On paper, Jayton dominated the game on both sides of the ball, but Jayton played a much more effective second quarter than they did the first. Pecos Smith was a freight train all night from all over the field. He scored several touchdowns from the spread-back position and on kick returns to keep the Guthrie defense frustrated. Smith also recorded several big tackles.
Joel Williams, the junior quarterback, is looking sharper and more comfortable each week. He connected with Tripp Scott and Mason Long on touchdown passes and provided important blocks for Smith to gain yardage. With Ben Blankenship injured with a broken hand, Williams has assumed 100% of the quarterback responsibilities. Caleb Valerio continued to offer consistent work for the Jaybirds to gain the advantage.
Defensively, sophomore Kaden Valerio was all over the field. While playing on the line and keeping the quarterbacks and spread backs uneasy, Valerio was also able to get downfield and stop Jaguars from gaining extra yards. Scott and the older Valerio were relentless in the secondary, knocking down several big passes from being converted. Devon Jones and Long controlled the line of scrimmage and made big hits.
The Jaybirds entered the second quarter up 16–0 feeling frustrated with several penalties and lost opportunities. Following the leadership of head coach Josh Stanaland and assistant coach Ryan Bleiker, the Jaybirds thundered the field to pull away with the district win. Next week, the Jaybirds will travel to Patton Springs to take on the Rangers Oct. 30 at 7 p.m.
With the district season in full swing, the Jaybirds will look forward to continued improvement with their eyes set on making a big splash in the playoffs.
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