Patriots will host Southern Wells in ACAC opener

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 1-1 (0-0)

Coach: Grant Zgunda,  4th year (27th overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week vs. New Castle: The Patriots ended up taking a 20-0 loss after lightning suspended the game late in the third quarter. An interception and a pair of big plays from Carson Bell and Neil McMartin fueled the Trojans, while mistakes stymied the Patriots offense.

Season leaders: Passing — Sean Bailey – 10-of-23 passing for 176 yards and two touchdowns. Rushing — A.J. Myers – 16 carries for 71 yards and one TD. Receiving — Benson Ward – two receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown. Defense — Lucas Strait – 18 tackles, one blocked punt and recovery.

Southern Wells Raiders

Poneto, 0-2 (0-0)

Coach: Blake Barker, 1st year

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Madison-Grant: The Raiders got dominated in a 56-point shut out against the Argylles on Aug. 30. Southern Wells ended with -15 yards of offense as Robby Freimuth passed for eight yards, but the four players with rushing attempts combined for -23 yards.

Season leaders: Passing — Robby Freimuth – 2-of-10 passing for 79 yards and three interceptions. Rushing — Robby Freimuth – 27 carries for 28 yards and one touchdown. Receiving — Joshua Albach – three receptions for 41 yards. Defense — Levi Blake – 7 tackles.

Last meeting: The Patriots exploded for 23 points in the third quarter after its 43-12 beating of the Raiders to earn the first 3-0 start since 1985. JCHS found success in the passing game as Sean Bailey threw for 242 yards and three touchdowns. Justin DeHoff led the receiving core with 141 yards, a TD and a pick-six. Both of the SWHS scores came on the ground, including a 90-yard rush by Tucker Worster.

Game notes: This is the 11th meeting all time between Jay County and Southern Wells. Jay County has a 7-3 edge in the series ... The Patriots have built a three-game winning streak against Southern Wells, with the last loss coming in 2019 ... Jay County has a 50.58 Sagarin rating, which is 185th overall and 40th in Class 3A. Southern Wells’ 19.86 rating is 303rd overall and 56th in Class 1A ...  John Harrell predicts Jay County to win, 42-7, while Calpreps.com lists the Patriots as 42-point favorites.