The Jayton Jaybirds looked to build upon their week-one success against the Ira Bulldogs as they traveled to Aspermont to take on the Hornets last Friday night.
Early on in non-district play, the Jaybirds have scheduled several Division 1 opponents in hopes to play tougher competition in preparation for a difficult district season. Giving new players a chance to get used to the varsity level has proved to be paramount for a team looking to make a splash in the playoffs come November. The season is young, and head coach Josh Stanaland has taught his players to take the opportunity to focus on one game at a time.
Behind a stingy defense and a dominating offensive performance by running back Pecos Smith, the Jayton Jaybirds cruised to a 52–6 victory over the Aspermont Hornets. Aspermont looked to score several times early on in the matchup by moving their offense to the goal line. But the Jayton defense refused to break and performed several goal-line stands to keep the score out of the Hornets’ favor.
Smith, Tripp Scott, Mason Long, Devon Jones, and brothers Kaden and Caleb Valerio proved that even in six-man football, defense does, in fact, make a difference. The ability to make open-field tackles appeared to be the deciding factor in the matchup coupled by the defensive line remaining a constant source of pressure for the spread back.
Smith scored running touchdowns, receiving touchdowns, and a defensive touchdown to add to his dominant performance in the game. Quarterbacks Joel Williams and Ben Blankenship both showed improvement from last week’s game against Ira to prove that the Jaybird passing attack is also a threat for other teams to pay attention to. Senior kicker Tripp Scott was consistent with his extra points and booming kickoffs that kept Aspermont from returning most of their kicks.
The game ended with a Smith rushing touchdown on Jayton’s first possession of the second half. Both teams met in the middle of the field for prayer before leaving for the locker room. For fans, this moment was a reminder that through the difficult times that communities and schools are facing, communities can bind together to support one another.
The Jaybirds will play the Wilson Mustangs on Friday, September 11, at home. The junior high will play at 5:30 p.m., followed the varsity matchup at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to attend while maintaining social distancing.
For those who are unable to attend, a livestream will be offered online. Information to access this content can be found by calling the school office.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
