Jay County football to host Bruins

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 0-0 

Coach: Eddie Fields, first year (fifth overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last season: Jay County traded wins and losses over the first three games of the year before dropping the final six regular season games. The Patriots picked up one final win at Bellmont in the sectional before falling to eventual state champ Bishop Luers 41-8 to finish with a 3-8 record.

Returning leaders: Rushing — Leighton Brown – 38 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Receiving — Grant Wendel – 17 catches for 207 yards and a touchdown. Defense — Garrett Bennett – 103 tackles, seven tackles for loss and one sack.

Blackford Bruins

Hartford City, 0-0

Coach: Steve Boozier, ninth year (23rd overall)

Conference: Central Indiana

Last season: The Bruins picked up victories against Fremon and Elwood to finish the season 2-8 to bounce back from a winless 2023. BHS lost 35-7 to Eastern in the sectional.

Returning leaders: Passing — Hunter Cale – 7-of-17 for 55 yards and one touchdown. Rushing — Kamari Taylor – 115 carries for 586 yards and four touchdowns. Receiving — Corbin Batten – one catch for 11 yards. Defense — Gage Dow – 35 tackles and four interceptions.

Last season: Jay County only gave up two first downs over nine drives in its 49-0 win over Blackford last year. The Patriots found the end zone six times, including a blocked punt return by Lucas Strait.

Game notes: This is the 51st meeting between Jay County and Blackford. JCHS has a 36-14 advantage in the series, and won the last 14 meetings  ... Boozier is a JCHS graduate and served as athletic director from 2013-2024.