For the past several seasons, head football coach Josh Stanaland has preached the same message to the students of Jayton Girard ISD. As a result, students from PreK to the senior level will use the term "#TPW" in the classroom and on the playing field. This popular sentiment among Jayton students means "Tough People Win." Stanaland encourages the students to be tough mentally, physically, and spiritually.
The TPW mantra was tested last Friday night against the Lorraine Bulldogs as the game was tight heading into the second half. The Bulldogs held an 8 to 6 lead on the Jaybirds, who struggled to move the ball on the offensive side of the ball. However, following a solid defensive effort in the 2nd half and strong play from sophomore Isaac King, the Jayton Jaybirds defeated the Lorraine Bulldogs to move on to the 3rd round of the playoffs.
King, who led Jayton in total tackles, had 2 interceptions at crucial moments in the game. His first INT was caught in the back of his own end zone on the Bulldogs opening drive in the game. Keeping the Bulldogs from scoring early would prove to be essential for the game. His 2nd forced turnover was the highlight of the game and happened in the 4th quarter. The Jaybirds led the game by two scores and needed to stop the Bulldog drive quickly. King crossed the entire length of the field, dove for the sliding catch, and kept his body in play to complete the impressive play. Julian Segura and Kaden Valerio also recorded double-digit tackles as the Jayton defense caused 4 fumbles (Valeria accounted for 3).
Jayton’s lone score in the 1st half was on a Joel Williams pass to Ayden Salazar for 51 yards. Salazar has found his stride when the Jaybirds have needed it the most. Next, King scored 2 rushing touchdowns, followed by Carson Sessums and Jaydon Rivera, each rushing for 1 touchdown each. Then, the Jaybird offense exploded in the 3rd quarter scoring 22 points. As the game drew to a close, the Jaybirds celebrated their monumental victory.
The win also earned Stanaland his 100th career win. “100 wins make me think about what a blessing it has been to be the football coach in Jayton for the last 12 years. The wins have little to do with me. It’s all about the young men that we’ve had the opportunity to coach since 2010. I want to thank my wife Kelsi for her support over the years, our wonderful children, Rodger Chunn (Statistician and scouting partner), and all the amazing assistant coaches. Ryan Bleiker has been my side as the offensive coordinator for all of them.”
The Jaybirds will now face the Motley County Matadors on Friday, November 26th at 6pm at Idalou High School.
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