Patriots seek back-to-back win against Starfires on Friday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 2-4, (1-3 ACAC) 

Coach: Eddie Fields, first year (fifth overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Woodlan: The Patriots’ defense came through to force three turnovers in week six’s 21-7 victory over the Warriors. Jay County gave up a touchdown on a 98-yard fumble return, but came back to score three times. Nick Laux punched in a pair of rushes just over 10 yards each and connected with Brady Jetmore for the other TD.

Season leaders: Passing — Nick Laux – 45-of-81 for 515 yards and five touchdowns. Rushing — Leighton Brown – 55 carries for 378 yards and two touchdowns. Receiving — Brady Jetmore – 17 catches for 260 yards and three touchdowns.

South Adams Starfires

Berne, 3-3, (1-2 ACAC)

Coach: Grant Mosser, 11th year

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Adams Central: The Starfires couldn’t handle their county rivals as Adams Central claimed a 35-7 victory last week. South Adams’ sole touchdown came from Tytus Lehman in the fourth quarter as he punched in a keeper.

Season leaders: Passing — Tytus Lehman – 106-of-166 for 1,382 yards and 15 touchdowns. Rushing —Will Patterson – 43 carries for 211 yards and three touchdowns. Receiving — Wesley Summersett – 34 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns.

Last season: The Patriots couldn’t take advantage of its opportunities against South Adams in a 34-14 loss. JCHS went down 14-0 at the half after getting stopped in the red zone and once again had the ball taken away in the end zone. The Patriots gained 81 yards more than SAHS, but couldn’t finish drives. The Starfires had the big strike of the game on a 79-yard touchdown pass from Tytus Lehman to Derek McKean.

Game notes: This is the 12th matchup between the Patriots and the Starfires. South Adams leads the series 8-3 ... SAHS marched all the way to the semi-state tournament in 2024 before losing to state runner-up North Judson 46-0 ... Jay County has a 37.4 Sagarin rating, which is 229th overall and 46th in Class 3A. South Adams’ 59.59 rating is 119th overall and fifth in Class 1A ... John Harrell projects Jay County to lose 38-14.