By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
The Junction City Blue Jays had their best performance on the field on Friday night but were defeated by number one seeded Washburn Rural 27-20 in the second round of the playoffs.
Washburn Rural took an early 7-0 lead over Junction City, but the Blue Jays battled back and eventually held a 10-7 lead for most of the second quarter. A late interception in the second quarter led to a short field for the Junior Blues, and Washburn Rural led 13-10 at halftime.
Rural scored on a deep pass from senior quarterback Branton Deweese to wide receiver Titan Osburn to go up 20-10 early in the third quarter. Again, the Blue Jays fought back, scoring on a 37-yard touchdown connection from senior quarterback Brock Bazan to senior Cooper Bogenhagen. A field goal later in the quarter tied the score at 20-20 going into the final quarter.
Junction City had several opportunities and a chance to take the lead, but after forcing a punt from the Blue Jay offense, Washburn Rural scored on 70-yard swing pass to Calvin Hayes in what ended up being the game winning touchdown. The Blue Jays had a chance to tie late in the game, but turned the ball over on downs at the Junior Blue 35 yard line.
It was by far the best performance of the year by the Blue Jays, but Washburn Rural, the only undefeated team in class 6A and the number one seed, escaped and defeated the Blue Jays by a final score of 27-20.
Junction City head football coach Randall Zimmerman expressed how proud he was of his team and how hard they fought throughout the game. "I am just so proud of our kids," Zimmerman said. "I told the kids I love them, and I tell them that everyday. Our mission is to build champions for life. It's all about helping these kids grow up to be great people."
Zimmerman continued talking about his teams performance, "Tonight we were so close, very close. Just a play or two away from really gaining the momentum, but the what ifs don't get it done."
Junction City finished the year with a final record of 6-4.