Patriots face Raiders on Saturday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 1-1

Coach: Eddie Fields, first year (fifth overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week at New Castle: The Patriots struggled to move the ball against the Trojans as they fell 35-0. Jay County only managed 115 yards on 54 plays while the Trojans gained 270 yards on 28 plays. The Patriots gave up two touchdowns in the first and second quarter, while giving up a final one in the third.

Season leaders: Passing — Nick Laux – 14-of-23 for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Rushing — Leighton Brown – 26 carries for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Receiving — Brady Jetmore – eight catches for 181 yards and two touchdowns.

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Southern Wells Raiders

Poneto, 0-2

Coach: Blake Blaker, second year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Blackhawk Christian: The Raiders lost their week No. 2 game to the Braves 15-12 after giving up a fourth-quarter touchdown. Blackhawk Christian scored the opening touchdown, while Southern Wells scored twice in the second quarter.

Season leaders: Passing — Trey Slusher – 6-of-20 for 91 yards and three touchdowns. Rushing — Trey Slusher – 33 carries for 169 yards. Receiving — Levi Blake – four catches for 80 yards and one touchdown. Defense — Alden Dollar – 11 tackles and one sack.

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Last season: The Patriots ran out for a 47-0 victory against Southern Wells with a mixed attack in the air and on the ground. Sean Bailey completed 9 of his 12 throwing attempts for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Four different Patriots carried the ball a total of 24 times for 164 yards and three more touchdowns. A.J. Myers and Leighton Brown had the three touchdowns on the ground. JCHS only gave up 55 yards of offense, 48 through the air and seven on the ground.

Game notes: This is just the 12th meeting between Jay County and Southern Wells. Jay County has an 8-3 edge in the series  ... The Patriots have built a four-game winning streak against the Raiders with the last loss coming in 2019. The other two losses came in 2015 and 2003  ... Southern Wells has scored 20 points through the first two games without getting shut out. This is the first time the Raiders have scored in both week No. 1 and 2 since 2022 ... Jay County has a 54.33 Sagarin rating, which is 199th overall and 40th in Class 3A. Southern Wells’ 35.67 rating is 304th overall and 56th in Class 1A ... John Harrell projects the Patriots to win 35-3.