The Jayton Jaybirds met the Woodson Cowboys at Knox City with the bi-district championship on the line on Nov. 14. Entering the playoffs number one in the state, with a perfect record, has many picking Jayton to advance deep into the playoffs this year. Expectations this high can be difficult to handle for a team that senior quarterback Aaron Hernandez says wants to achieve “elite status.” The senior encouraged the Jaybirds to “take one game at a time and fight every play to make the team better.” This first-round matchup represented the next step in their journey towards the state championship.
The Jaybirds met their goal to become the bi-district champions, defeating Wood-son 50 to 0 by halftime. The Jaybirds held the Cowboys to only 68 total yards on offense, creating two turnovers to make the game uncomfortable for the Woodson offense. Seniors Thomas Mullen (13 tackles), Even Cheyne (13 tackles), Tye Scogin (11 tackles), Hernandez (11 tackles) and junior Pecos Smith (11 tackles) led the way on defense for the Jaybirds. Mullen’s recovery in the end zone resulted in a touchdown, and Scogins delivered the final blow in the last minute to give the Jaybirds the opportunity to seal the playoff win.
Scogin, who has played big in the playoffs for years, rushed for three touchdowns and caught a long pass from Hernandez for a touchdown as well. Senior Camron Benavides caught a 12-yard touchdown pass, while junior Tripp Scott converted four extra-point attempts. The story of the game was not individual play; several Jaybirds assisted on tackles and played well on special teams. Many players, like Alex Chism, Jaydon Rivera, Caleb Valerio and Kaden Valerio, contributed to give the Jaybirds an advantage.
When the game was over, the celebrations were had with a feeling of anticipation for Friday’s 7 p.m. game in Garden City against Grandfalls-Royalty. Grand-falls-Royalty, who the Jaybirds defeated to advance toward the state quarterfinal last year, return most of their starters to be the number-two team in the state. All eyes will look to this matchup as the biggest game in the second round of the 1A playoffs. Head Coach Josh Stanaland knows what his team knows: with the excitement level for both communities at an all-time high, they have to show up ready to play the best football of their season.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
