As the Jayton Jaybirds found themselves in a hole early in their regional championship playoff game against the Balmorhea Bears, few expected to see what would eventually happen.
Most of the media outlets didn’t expect Jayton to make a game against the Bears, who entered the game #1 in the state and the #4 six-man team in the nation. The Jaybirds were down 30–16 in the second quarter and did the unthinkable. Pecos Smith and his squad fought their way back to tie the game and prove to everyone in attendance that they were not going to roll over to the Bears.
The first half of the contest was a back-and-forth affair that ended with Jayton down 48–40. Jayton opened the second half with a two-play, 60-yard touchdown drive to tie the game. Spectators watched in anticipation wondering if Jayton would be able to continue the fight against a difficult playoff foe picked to win the state championship by Dave Campbell's Football Magazine.
It was at this point that Balmorhea flexed their muscle and imposed their will on the Jaybirds. The Bears quickly scored on the following drive, held Jayton to a turnover on downs, and scored again. As hard as the Jaybirds fought, the Bears were able build their lead throughout the rest of the game to win easily 90–46. The Bears were unable to end the game early due to the 45 rule and had to play out the remainder of the fourth quarter.
While the 2020 Jaybirds left the game disappointed, they returned home to a community grateful and proud of their players and coaches. When the season began, the effects of Covid-19 that has plagued many area programs made people wonder if there would get to be a season. As Jayton entered the season, head coach Josh Stanaland preached to his players to appreciate every opportunity to play the game of football that they so dearly love. The Jaybirds were grateful to play a full ten-game schedule, and end the district season with a huge upset over Motley County.
When Jaybird fans look back on the 2020 season, they will be grateful for seniors Smith, Caleb Valerio, Devon Jones, Mason Long, and Tripp Scott, who led this team with excellence on and off the field. Fans will remember that “playing like there’s no tomorrow” can be taken literally and to appreciate every opportunity that fans have to come together and cheer for their team. Senior cheerleaders Brooklyn Coulter and Claire Nail led the rest of the Jaybird cheerleaders to help the crowds support their school.
As our communities enter Thanksgiving week, there is an opportunity to appreciate the “little things” a little more and be grateful for everything that has been provided. The 2020 Jayton Jaybird football team were living examples of this fact. The future continues to be bright for Jayton Jaybird football.
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