JC vs. Connersville football preview

Connersville Spartans
Connersville, 0-5
Coach: Mark Kirk, first year
Conference: Independent
Last week vs. Heritage Christian: The Eagles built a 21-0 hafltime lead on the way to their 44-6 win over Connersville. The Spartans’ only touchdown came on a Matt Gardner 20-yard run with 4:34 left in the game.
Season leaders: Passing — Landon Speers - 34-of-80 for 352 yards and two touchdowns. Rushing — Matt Gardner - 68 arries for 274 yards and two TDs, John Marvel 25 carries for 82 yards. Receiving — Gardner - eight receptions for 66 yards and two TDs, Michael Sizemore - six receptions for 74 yards.

Jay County Patriots
Portland, 1-4
Coach: Steve Boozier, first year
Conference: Independent
Last week vs. Muncie Southside: A fake punt in the first quarter helped put the Patriots in a hole, and they gained just 79 yards in a 27-0 loss.
Season leaders: Passing — Brock McFarland - 7-of-22 for 99 yards and two touchdowns. Rushing — Cade Price - 60 carries for 264 yards and one TD, Blake Crouch - 48 carries for 156 yards and two TDs. Receiving — Price - three receptions for 46 yards and one TD. Defense — Price - 38 tackles and one sack, Cody Slusher - 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

Last season: Jay County missed on a fourth-down play in the final minutes and lost to Spartans for the first time since 1999, 37-36.

Game notes: The Patriots and Connersville have one common opponent, Franklin County. Jay County lost to the Wildcats 42-7 while the Spartans fell 34-0 ... Both teams are scoring less than eight points per game while giving up 40-plus.[[In-content Ad]]