Jayton Blows Out Oakwood to Claim 1A Division II Title
ARLINGTON — Jayton put on a defensive clinic, allowing just three first downs and 148 yards and forcing a pair of turnovers on their way to a 54-8 title game victory that ended at the half. Oakwood only ran for just 13 yards on 12 carries.
The Jaybirds are state football champions for the first time since 1985.
“We’re so excited to bring one of these back,” said head coach Josh Stanaland. “It’s been 39 years, and for a program with the tradition that we have, that’s a long time.”
Jayton got the first two breaks of the game early in the first quarter. Oakwood’s punt deflected off the upback and went backwards to give the Jaybirds great field position, which they cashed in on. Bode Ham fumbled on his way into the end zone, but Colt Gentry recovered it to give Jayton the first touchdown of the game.
Oakwood answered and got inside the Jayton five, but the Jaybirds forced a fumble that Gentry, the eventual Defensive MVP of the game, returned 73-yards for a touchdown. Jayton led 16-0 at that point and never looked back.
Gentry scored again on a 16-yard touchdown toss from Sean Stanaland late in the quarter to give the Jaybirds a 22-0 lead after one quarter.
Ham got on the board twice early in the second quarter on a two-yard reception and a 37-yard run to make it a 38-0 game.
Oakwood got on the board with 4:27 to go in the half, but Jayton answered with two quick scores to ensure the 45-point mercy rule.
Stanaland ran it in from 13 and 15 yards out to seal the victory. He was named the Offensive MVP after completing 7-8 passes for 102 yards and two scores to go along with the 28 yards and two touchdowns rushing.
Offensive MVP Sean Stanaland
“It still hasn’t quite hit yet,” said Josh Stanaland after the game. “I’m proud of these kids and feel like it’s something we’ve been building toward for a long time.”
Senior Griff Reel added, “Jayton is an amazing community. All of our parents over the summer drove us hours, taking us to camps and practices, and we spent an insane amount of time in the weight room. The sacrifices our community made to put us here is just what makes it special to have our own legacy and give something back.”
Defensive MVP Colt Gentry
