By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
After a high-scoring game in 2024, this year's game, featuring the Junction City Blue Jays and Lawrence High Chesty Lions, was a defensive slugfest. Junction City scored late and won 14-7 in Lawrence on Friday night.
The Chesty Lions got the ball first and went three-and-out on the first possession of the game. Lawrence punted the ball away, and the Blue Jays took over. JC was moving the ball before fumbling near midfield. Despite the turnover, the Blue Jay defense forced another three-and-out. That was a common theme on Friday night. At the end of the first quarter, the game was still scoreless.
To begin the second quarter, the Blue Jays faced a fourth and goal from the eight-yard line. Senior quarterback Conrad Gomez dropped back to pass and floated the ball into the back of the endzone, and it was secured by senior Jamarcus Tyson for a touchdown. The ball was deflected by Lawrence, but great concentration and a great catch by Tyson gave the Blue Jays a 7-0 lead.
Following the Junction City scoring drive, Lawrence responded with their own touchdown drive and tied the game at 7-7. The Blue Jays were driving at the end of the half and ran out of time, and the game was tied at halftime.
The second half is when the defenses really cranked up their intensity. Junction City moved the ball offensively, but was denied on fourth down twice and also missed a 30-yard field goal from the right hash. Lawrence, on the other hand, struggled moving the ball, with the Blue Jay defensive line causing major trouble for the Chesty Lions.
With 3:53 to go in the game, the Blue Jays got the ball back after a nice punt return by senior Lovell Autry. Junction City had the ball in plus territory at the Lions' 45-yard line with the score still tied at 7-7. The Blue Jays received a big run by junior running back Aaron Woods down to the 32-yard line with under three minutes to go. Then, on a big third down, Gomez found junior wide receiver Brody Boeckman on the sideline, who caught the ball at the 20-yard line with 1:35 to go in the game. The very next play, Gomez hit Boeckman in the middle of the field, and Boeckman scored the go-ahead and game-winning touchdown with 1:25 to go in the game. The Blue Jays held on to win 14-7 and improve to 2-0 on the season.
Junction City High School head football coach Randall Zimmerman was pleased with his team pulling out the win in a tough road environment. “I am very, very proud of our guys,” Zimmerman said. “Our defense tonight was so good, and our offense moved the ball well; we just need to be better at finishing drives.“ Zimmerman also complimented his team for their toughness and battling through some adversity throughout the game.
Junction City is back at home next Friday night, hosting Wichita Northwest High School. As always, you can hear all Blue Jay games on 107.9 FM / 1420 AM KJCK Radio.
On the radio broadcast, defensive lineman Trevon Briley was our player of the game. (Our player of the game sponsor is Blu Restaurant in Junction City). Each player of the game receives a coupon for a free meal from Blu.
** Photos courtesy of Callie Jones.