Patriots travel to Heritage on Friday

Jay County Patriots 

Portland, 2-6 (1-4)

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

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Lapel: The Patriots came up short on multiple occasions as they fell to the Bulldogs 14-12. JCHS got stopped on the 1-yard line in the first half and failed two point-after-touchdown attempts in the loss. It also turned the ball over five times, including twice in the fourth quarter.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 46-of-101 for 658 yards and six TDs. Rushing — Sean Bailey – 75 carries for 348 yards and four 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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Heritage Patriots

Monroeville, 7-1 (4-1)

Coach: Jeremy Hullinger, first year

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. Southern Wells: Heritage demolished the Raiders in a 70-0 victory. Eli Tigulis only needed eight attempts to sling five touchdowns and 150 yards. The Patriots added three TDs and 237 yards on the ground in the dominating performance.

Season leaders: Passing — Eli Tigulis – 94-of-130 for 1,465 yards and 20 TDs. Rushing — Nasir Martin – 95 carries for 784 yards and seven TDs. Receiving — Braden Walter – 32 receptions for 553 yards and eight TDs. Defense — Mason Abbott – 70 tackles and 6 for loss.

Last season: Heritage opened the second half with a 12-play, 61-yard drive that put it in firm control as they beat Jay County 28-6 last season. JCHS couldn’t get any offense going until Bryce Wenk busted out a 25-yard rush with less than eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Kobe Meyer was dominant for Heritage, opening the game with a 1-yard rushing touchdown before slinging three passing TDs.

Game notes: This is the 14th meeting all time between Jay County and Heritage, with the latter holding an 8-5 lead. ... The last three games in the ACAC’s annual battle of the Patriots has gone to Heritage, with Jay County last winning in 2019. ... Heritage has a Sagarin rating of 69.47 which is 12h in Class 3A, while Jay County’s 40.07 sagrin rating is 44th in 3A. ... Next week JCHS will travel to Bellmont  in the opening round of the sectional while Heritage travels to Delta. For the teams to meet, both would have to make it to the sectional championship ... John Harrell predicts Jay County to lose 35-14, while Calpreps.com also has Heritage as 29-point favorites.