Jaguars lose in season opener
The Jaguars fall to St. James 45-21
September 2, 2017
The Jaguars lost to the St. James Thunder 45-21 on Friday, Sept. 1. This was the first game of the season, making their record 0-1.
The Thunder started the opening drive on their own 4-yard line. After driving 96 yards, they scored a touchdown, giving them a 7-0 lead.
“We wanted to start off pretty good, and it didn’t quite go that way,” junior running back Cameron Young said. “But, I think next week we’re going to come out and work really hard.”
Late in the first quarter, junior running back Trevor Wieschhaus ran in the ball for a touchdown. A successful extra point by junior kicker Jack Matchette the game was tied at 7.
St. James quickly answered, scoring a touchdown early in the second quarter. Later in the quarter, they brought the score to 17-7 with a field goal.
Late in the first half, the Jaguars drove down the field with senior quarterback Brody Flaming finding junior wide receiver Logan Talley and senior wide receiver Evan Rice. Flaming connected with Talley for a touchdown with just a minute left to go in the half. After a successful extra point by Matchette, the Jaguars were down 17-14.
“No matter what the score says on there, we have fight,” Flaming said. “And we’re not going to back down from anybody.”
The Thunder capitalized on a Jaguars’ fumble, scoring a touchdown midway through the third quarter. St. James scored two more touchdowns in the last three minutes of the third quarter, giving them a 38-14 lead.
“A lot of guys … this is their first game playing,” Young said. “It’s really new for them, so they’re really uneasy. I think next week we’re going to be a little more confident and know what we’re doing.”
With just over five minutes remaining in the game, the Thunder scored again.
The Jaguars responded on the next drive when Young found the end zone for a touchdown. After a successful extra point by Matchette, the score was 45-21. This would be the final score.
The Jaguars will host the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies on Friday, Sept. 8.
“From the energy to the execution of the plays, we’re going to be a lot better next week,” Flaming said. “Mark my word.”
