Patriots look to bounce back against Starfires

Jay County Patriots 

Portland, 2-4 (1-3)

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

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Woodlan: The Patriots got shut out by Woodlan amist poor weather in a 21-0 week six loss. Jay County lost the battle at the line of scrimmage, resulting in only one rushing yard and Sean Bailey getting sacked six times for 52 yards. They also gave up 82 yards and two TDs to Drew Fleek. 

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 43-of-87 for 620 yards and six TDs. Rushing — A.J. Myers – 53 carries for 221 yards and three TDs. Receiving — Benson Ward – eight receptions for 183 yards and one TD. Defense — Lucas Strait – two blocked punts and one sack.

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South Adams Starfires

Berne, 2-4 (0-3)

Coach: Grant Moser, 10th year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Adams Central: The Starfires held up in the first half against their county rivals Adams Central before the floodgates opened in the latter half of a 27-7 loss. South Adams didn’t allow a single reception, but gave up 306 yards on the ground.

Season leaders: Passing — Tytus Lehman – 77-of-135 for 1,022 yards and 12 TDs. Rushing — Dillan Ramirez – 51 carries for 318 yards and two TDs. Receiving — Derek McKean – 34 receptions for 455 yards and two TDs. Defense — Kaleb Minger – 55 tackles, nine tackles for loss and three sacks.

Last season: Diesel Zeigler made a key defensive stop to prevent Sean Bailey from scoring with 10.2 seconds left, allowing Owen Wanner to kneel out a 23-20 victory. The Starfires took the lead with 6 minutes left with a 4-yard Wanner rush. A.J. Myers led the offense with 107 yards on 32 carries with one touchdown. The second quarter was the most offensively fruitful for Jay County, as the Patriots found the end zone twice.

Game notes: The Patriots need to win this week to have a shot at going .500 in the ACAC for the first time since 2018. ... Jay County has a 40.06 Sagarin rating, which is 218th overall and 46nd in Class 3A. South Adams’ 50.24 rating is 164th overall and 12th in Class 1A ... John Harrell predicts Jay County to lose 28-24, while Calpreps.com also has the Starfires as 4-point favorites.