Patriots host Blackford for opener

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 0-0

Coach: Grant Zgunda, third year (26th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last season: Jay County finished 2-8, dropping its final seven games after a 2-1 start. The Patriots scored 41 points in both of their wins against Blackford and Southern Wells. Despite the record, they improved scoring margins by scoring two or more times in four more games while only being shut out against Western in the sectional opener. 

Returning leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 79-of-152 for 1,058 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Rushing — Sean Bailey – 43 carries for 109 yards and three touchdowns. Receiving — Bryce Wenk – nine catches for 80 yards. Defense — Lucas Strait – 72 tackles.

vs.

Blackford Bruins

Hartford City, 0-0

Coach: Randy Sehy, eighth year (19th overall)

Conference: Central Indiana

Last season: The Bruins’ only victory last season came by a 13-6 score over Elwood. They only scored 10 touchdowns on the year, with all but one belonging to players who graduated. They were held scoreless five times.

Returning leaders: Passing — Donovan Soto – 1-of-7 for 8 yards, zero touchdowns and zero interceptions. Rushing —  Nicholas Ely – 22 carries for 133 yards and zero touchdowns. Receiving — Carter Clouse – one catch for 81 yards. Defense — Daniel Ludwig – 57 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss.

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Last meeting: The Patriots scored on the opening kickoff against Blackford. They proceeded to score six times in the first 17 minutes before going heavily to their bench. They tallied 277 yards to Blackford’s 56, including 97 for Bailey through the air and on the ground.

Game notes: This is the 49th meeting all time  between Jay County and Blackford. The Patriots hold a 34-14 advantage in the series, including victories in each of the last 12 meetings. Blackford’s last win against Jay County came by a 46-41 score in 2008 ... The Patriots have set a goal of reaching the .500 mark, a target they have not achieved since going 6-4 in 2016 ... CalPreps.com predicts Jay County to win, 38-13.