Jay will host Indians

Jay County Patriots

Portland, 4-6

Coach: Eddie Fields, first year (fifth overall)

Conference: Allen County

Last week at Bellmont: It was a slow start for the Patriots, but once they moved to the double wing, the offense moved down the field with ease for a 35-0 victory. Leighton Brown had a career day, scoring three touchdowns with 255 yards on 24 carries. The defense forced four turnovers with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries.

Season leaders: Passing — Nick Laux – 72-of-128 for 756 yards and seven touchdowns. Rushing — Leighton Brown – 146 carries for 886 yards and eight touchdowns. Receiving — Brady Jetmore – 21 catches for 270 yards and three touchdowns.

Vs.

Mississinewa Indians

Gas City, 9-1

Coach: Jeremy Lochner, first year

Conference: Central Indiana

Last week at Oak Hill: The sixth-ranked Indians chipped away at Oak Hill, scoring touchdowns in the second third and fourth quarters. MHS scored all three TDs on the ground while gaining 223 yards.

Season leaders: Passing — Jacob Schwartz – 58-of-104 for 787 yards and seven touchdowns. Rushing — Ah’lijah Monday – 177 carries for 1,294 yards and 15 touchdowns. Levi Crandall – 102 carries for 737 yards and  15 touchdowns. Receiving — Kallen Quaderer – 20 catches for 321 yards and four touchdowns. Defense — Kadin Fouce – 65 tackles and seven sacks.

Last matchup: The Patriots met the Indians in 2021 and got rolled in a 49-0 loss in Grant Zgunda’s first year as coach. Jay County only managed 64 yards of total offense while giving up more than 400 to Ole Miss. Carson Campbell did more than enough damage on his lonesome with four touchdowns with 218 yards.

Game notes: The Patriots and Indians have met just once in the past 40 seasons. Mississinewa won that game 49-0 in the 2021 sectional opener ... The Indians’ sole loss came to an undefeated Eastbrook team that is No. 4 in Class 2A ... Last year, Jay County fell in the sectional semifinal 41-8 to the state runner-up Bishop Luers ... Mississinewa has made the sectional final four years in a row, winning the title in 2021 and 2023. It also lost to Bishop Luers last season ... The Indians have run all over teams with 2,146 rushing yards on 318 carries and 32 touchdowns ... Jay County has a 41.2 Sagarin rating, which is 195th overall and 36th in Class 3A. Mississinewa’s 62.04 rating is 94th overall and 15th in Class 3A ... John Harrell projects Jay County to lose 31-14.