In their second game of district play, the Jayton Jaybirds wanted to have as many of their teammates involved in the game on the offensive side of the ball as possible. With veteran leadership in seniors Tye Scogin, Aaron Hernandez, Thomas Mullen, Camron Benavides, Evan Cheyne and Alex Chism, it was important to get other juniors and underclassmen involved in the Jaybird offense. Before the end of the game, it was obvious that Jay-ton’s scheme had gone exactly as planned. The Jayton Jaybirds demolished the Roby Lions 54 to 0, improving upon their perfect record to go 8 and 0 on the season.
Junior running back Pecos Smith was explosive on the ground by turning his three rushing attempts into 144 yards and three touchdowns. Smith’s night was not yet over as he also received one of Hernandez’s three touchdown passes on a 57-yard bomb. Caden Valerio and Benavides were also recipients of passing touchdowns. With a balanced rushing and passing attack, the Jaybirds have been able to prove that they are capable of scoring on any type of play. Cheyne, Mullen, Nathaniel Williams and Smith have proven to be capable blockers and receivers. Scogin and Hernandez can score with their arms as well as their legs. With receivers like Benavides, Valerio and Tripp Scott, defenses are unable to key in on any one facet of the Jaybird attack.
On defense, the Jaybirds had two interceptions and never allowed Roby to score. Roby was successful on the ground running for 144 yards but could get nothing going in the passing game. With defenders staying poised in their positions and flying towards the ball, the Jaybirds are proving that they can make big plays when it counts.
Media outlets in Lubbock have begun to discuss this Jayton team and have asked the question: “How far can this team go?” KCBD named the Jaybirds as their End Zone Team of the Week for week eight of the season. The team was highlighted on the Sunday evening news and interviewed on set. While outsiders have spoken highly of this Jaybird squad’s potential to go far in the playoffs, Head Coach Josh Stanaland has continued to preach that the Jaybirds must take a week-by-week approach and get better every day. Instead of focusing on the future, the Jaybirds will focus on being physical in every practice, every play and every game. With the possibility of success on the horizon, the Jaybirds are choosing the humble approach of focusing on getting better every week.
Up next are the Rule Bobcats, who Jayton will play in Rule on Friday, October 25 at Bobcat Stadium.
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