Patriots host Tigers for homecoming on Friday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 0-4 (0-2)

Coach: Tim Millspaugh, seventh year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Adams Central: Jay County surrendered four touchdowns in the second quarter of a 46-6 loss to Adams Central. The Patriots scored in the fourth quarter against the Jets’ reserves to avoid getting shut out for the third time this season. Bailey Cox had 92 yards rushing on the ground for JCHS.

Season leaders: Passing — Sam Dunlavy – 2-of-14 for 24 yards and three interceptions. Rushing — Bailey Cox – 41 carries for 255 yards and two touchdowns . Receiving — Kess McBride – one reception for 22 yards. Defense — McBride – 28 tackles and one tackle for loss.



vs.



Bluffton Tigers

Bluffton, 3-1 (1-1)

Coach: Brent Kunkel, third year

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Woodlan: A second-quarter touchdown proved to be the difference for Bluffton in a 13-6 win against Woodlan as both teams scored in the fourth quarter. The Tigers held the Warriors to just 192 yards of total offense.

Season leaders (through three games): Passing — Hayden Nern – 40-of-72 for 364 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions. Rushing — Cody Mittlestedt – 50 carries for 268 yards and three touchdowns. Receiving — Kain Thornton – 19 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Defense — Cameron Coleman – 18 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, one-half sack, one fumble recovery and one blocked punt.



Last season: Jay County had its potential game-winning two-point conversion come up short in a 63-62 shootout loss on the road to Bluffton in the highest scoring game in JCHS?history. The Patriots and Tigers combined for more than 1,000 yards of total offense. Parker Grimes completed 17 of his 25 passes for 342 yards and six touchdowns, three of which to classmate Ryan Schlechty, who had 187 yards on nine catches.

Game notes: This is the eighth meeting all time between Jay County and Bluffton, and the Patriots have a 5-2 edge in the series but have lost each of the last two seasons ... This is just the first time Jay County has begun the season with four consecutive losses since 2003, which is also the last time JCHS?had five straight setbacks to start the year. ... This is the Patriots’ homecoming game, and its second-to-last time playing at home this regular season. JCHS hits the road for three straight road games next week ... Bluffton’s Sagarin rating is 39.53, which is 171st overall and 25th in Class 2A. Jay County, meanwhile, has a 9.85 rating which ranks 281st in the stat and 58th in Class 4A ... John?Harrell’s website predicts a 35-14 Bluffton win. Calpreps.com lists the Tigers as 27-point favorites.