Patriots to face Tigers

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 2-2 (1-1 ACAC)

Coach: Grant Zgunda, fourth year (27th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Adams Central: The Patriots allowed too many big plays to slip through for the Jets in a 39-8 week four loss. Adams Central scored 33 of its points in the first half, while Jay County only managed a safety. The Patriots finally found the end zone in the fourth quarter.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 26-of-50 for 391 yards and nine TDs. Rushing — A.J. Myers – 34 carries for 180 yards and three TDs. Receiving — Grant Wendel – six receptions for 87 yards and one TDs. Defense — Lucas Strait – 27 tackles and blocked punts.

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Bluffton Tigers

Bluffton, 4-0 (2-0 ACAC)

Coach: Brent Kunkel, eighth year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Woodlan: The Tigers scored in all four quarters to stomp Woodlan 33-7. Bluffton’s defense only relented in the second quarter to allow a rushing touchdown by Drew Fleek, but it held strong in the second half.

Season leaders: Passing — Axton Beste – 31-of-40 for 443 yards and eight TDs. Rushing — Axton Beste – 38 carries for 327 yards and two TDs. Receiving — Aaron Streveler – eight receptions for 180 yards and four TDs. Defense — Coleson Teeple – three interceptions and a fumble recovery; Griffin Morgan – 25 tackles, nine for a loss.

Last meeting: The Tigers took control early after a Ben Ramseyer interception set Bluffton up to score early. The Tigers found the end zone three times in the first two quarters, before JCHS scored on a 3-yard pass to Rhysin Blowers. The offense stalled in the second half to give the Tigers a 19-7 victory.

Game notes: The Tigers followed up its strong start to the 2023 season with a second consecutive 4-0 start. Prior to 2023, they were last 4-0 in 2012 ... Sophomore Axton Beste has broken out this season to lead Bluffton in passing and rushing, and to a No. 9 ranking in Class 2A ... Bluffton tied up the series at 6-6 with their win over Jay County last year ... Jay County has a 43.14 Sagarin rating, which is 199th overall and 45th in Class 3A. Bluffton’s 58.41 rating is 129th overall and 17th in Class 2A ... John Harrell predicts Jay County to lose 28-21, while Calpreps.com has Bluffton as a 17-point favorite.