Jaguars win in season opener
Jaguars defeat Blue Valley West on Friday, Aug. 31
September 1, 2018
The Jaguars won in the season opener 35-24 against Blue Valley West on Friday, Aug. 31.
On the first play of the game, senior defensive lineman Christian Roth recovered a BVW fumble for a touchdown. After a successful extra point attempt by senior kicker Jack Matchette, MV had a quick 7-0 lead.
According to senior defensive back Nick Davie, the initial score helped the team gain momentum.
“It just built our confidence, put them down and helped us stay ahead of them the whole game,” Davie said.
Midway through the first quarter, BVW kicked a field goal to bring the score to 7-3.
BVW was then able to take the lead with a 50-yard touchdown with three minutes left in the half, giving them a 10-7 lead.
Senior quarterback Jordan Preston believes that the offense had a slow start because they were getting their own way.
“When we play, no one can stop us but ourselves,” Preston said. “That’s what happened the first few drives 一 we stopped ourselves.”
MV quickly regained the lead with a touchdown pass from senior quarterback Jordan Preston to senior wide receiver Dustyn Sweet. Matchette’s extra point gave MV a 14-10 lead going into halftime.
On BVW’s first drive of the second half, they scored a touchdown to give them a 17-14 lead.
On the following MV drive, Preston passed to junior running back Tyler Green for a 67-yard touchdown. This gave MV a 21-17 lead.
BVW quickly responded with another touchdown, taking back the lead.
A 43-yard catch by senior wide receiver Logan Talley set up a touchdown from Green, giving MV a 28-24 lead.
Preston believes that the offense was able to come back much stronger in the second half.
“I think we had a shaky start and that’s to be expected because [of] first game jitters,” Preston said. “But I think we came back the second half and we really did good. We did everything we need to do.”
Green scored his third touchdown of the night midway through the fourth quarter. This gave MV a 35-24 lead; this would end up the final score.
Head coach Joel Applebee is satisfied with the results and the expectations they set for the season.
“[We] always want to win the opener 一 that’s a big goal of ours,” Applebee said. “It’s a good solid win. BVW is a very good team, they’re just another strong member of the EKL. It’s not going to get any easier from here … but this definitely sets the tone and I’m very proud of our kids for getting the job done.”
Green believes that this win will show the rest of the league what type of team they are.
“This win sent a message to the EKL… that we’re going to come fight and we’re going to come out ready to play,” Green said. “We’re coming as a family.”
The Jaguars will host the St. James Thunder for the homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 7.
