Patriots host New Castle in home opener Friday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 1-0

Coach: Grant Zgunda, fourth year (27th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Blackford: Jay County’s defense came to play against the Bruins, only allowing two first downs and 43 rushing yards to blank Blackford 49-0. The Patriots scored in a variety of ways including three passing TDs, three rushing and one on a blocked punt by Lucas Strait.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 12 for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Rushing — A.J. Myers – six carries for 40 yards and one TD. Receiving — Benson Ward – one catch for 44 yards and one TD. Defense — Lucas Strait — 10 tackles, one blocked punt and recovery.

New Castle Trojans

New Castle, 0-1

Coach: Kyle York, eighth year

Conference: Northeast 8

Last week at Franklin County: The Trojans opened up their season with a 41-14 loss to the Wildcats last week. Franklin County jumped out to an early lead with 14 first quarter points and 20 in the second. New Castle’s offense was silenced until the second half, a pair of TDs in the third and fourth quarters.

Season leaders: Passing — Carson Bell – 10-of-21 for 147 yards and one touchdown. Rushing — Caleb Clapp – 13 carries for 63 yards and one TD. Receiving — Neil McMartin – three catches for 83 yards and one TD. Defense — Malachi Hernandez – eight tackles, one fumble recovery.

Last matchup: The last time Jay County and New Castle clashed was back in the second round of the 2007 sectional. The Patriots picked off the Trojans 23-16 en route to their only sectional championship. A scoreless second half helped prove the Patriots victorious as Kyle Cooke forced a safety that turned the momentum. On the next drive, Michael Jobe ran in the game-winning touchdown.

Game notes: This is the second meeting all time between New Castle and Jay County, with the Patriots winning the only game ... This will be the Patriots’ home opener on the new artificial turf at Harold E. Schutz Memorial Stadium ... Jay County’s 162 Sagarin rating ranks 162nd overall and 33rd in Class 3A, while New Castle’s 45.63 is 206th overall and 51st in Class 4A ... John Harrell predicts Jay County to win, 35-21, while Calpreps.com lists the Patriots as six favorites.