Patriots face off against Bellmont Braves in sectional quarterfinal Friday

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 2-7 (1-5)

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

Conference: Allen County Athletic Conference

Last week at Heritage: The Patriots marched downfield to score on the opening drive before Heritage took control to hand JCHS a 35-13 loss. Five turnovers, four of which came in the second half, hurt Jay County’s bid at a comeback. Heritage was a common opponent, beating Jay County by 22 points and Bellmont by 39.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 76-of-152 for 1,091 yards and nine TDs. Rushing — Bailey – 94 carries for 430 yards and four TDs. Receiving — Benson Ward – 15 receptions for 373 yards and three TDs. Defense — Lucas Strait – 85 tackles,  four sacks and two interceptions.

Bellmont Braves 

Decatur, 0-9 (0-7)

Coach: Nick Hall, fifth year

Conference: Northeast 8

Last week vs. East Noble: The Braves gave up 10 touchdowns on only 541 offensive yards in a 75-7 loss. The loss pushed Bellmont to 0-9, in which it has been outscored 508-37.

Season leaders: Season leaders: Passing — Easton Curtis – 49-of-123 for 446 yards and two TDs. Rushing — Jason Lykins – 35 carries for 119 yards. Receiving — Will Franze – 13 receptions for 128 yards and one TD. Defense — Oliver Werling – 90 tackles including seven tackles for a loss and three sacks.

Last meeting: The Patriots took down the Braves 28-21 in the 2002 sectional opener to tie the all-time series at 2-2. Mark “Tank” Addington scored his lone career touchdown in the fourth to power the victory, before Jay County got shut out 20-0 by Muncie Central the next week. The other three matchups against Bellmont came before the 1994 season.

Game notes: Jay County has lost six straight sectional openers, with its last tournament victory coming by a 22-21 score over Logansport in the 2017 opening round. During the losing streak, it has dropped games by a combined 244-42. ... The Patriots enter the playoffs with a six game losing streak. .... The Braves last won a sectional game in 2018 with a 16-6 victory over Garrett. ... made it to the semi-state game falling just short as New Prairie beat them 10-9. ... Bellmont has dropped 31 consecutive games, with its last win coming in 2021. ... John Harrell predicts Jay County to win 38-17, while Calpreps.com also has the Patriots as 21-point favorites.