Patriots travel to Woodlan

Jay County Patriots 

Portland, 3-2 (1-2)

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

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Bluffton: Jay County gave up 19 early points to the Bluffton Tigers through the first two quarters in a 19-7 loss. The Patriots shut the fifth-ranked team from Class 2A for the rest of the contest, but couldn’t find a way to get their offense to start a comeback.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 34-of-62 for 612 yards and nine TDs. Rushing — A. J. Myers – 103 carries for 412 yards and five TDs. Receiving — Justin DeHoff – nine receptions for 264 yards and three TDs. Defense — Garrett Bennett – 39 tackles and three tackles for loss.

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Woodlan Warriors

Woodburn, 2-3 (1-2)

Coach: Mike Smith, fourth year (sixth overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Southern Wells: Woodlan gave up a field goal to the Southern Wells Raiders before shutting them out for a 33-3 victory. The Warriors had a balanced attack with Ty Louden passing for 110 yards and three touchdowns and Drew Fleek rushing for 188 yards and two touchdowns.

Season leaders: Passing — Ty Louden – 54-of-113 for 609 yards and eight TDs. Rushing — Drew Fleek – 129 carries for 442 yards and two TDs. Receiving — Braden Smith – 15 receptions for 261 yards and five TDs.

Last season: Jacob Snyder pulled off a 54-yard pass on fourth-and-8 to set up a score in the final minute to finish off Jay County 40-33. The Patriots improved from 2022’s one-score performance by finding the end zone five times in the loss.

Game notes: Jay County and Woodlan have met on the gridiron nine times, with the Warriors winning all of those games .... Since falling 15-14 to Southridge in the 2017 Class 2A state championship game, Woodlan has had five straight losing seasons ... CalPreps.com lists the Patriots as seven-point favorites.