HAYS, Kan. — The Junction City Blue Jays opened off their 2021 season Friday night, scrimmaging the Hays High Indians and the Salina South Cougars.
In 2019, the Kansas State High School Activities Association approved the implementation of a scrimmage, or "jamboree," prior to the first week of football games in the state. In 202o, the events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the Blue Jays the event was crucial for a team that is largely inexperienced. JCHS returns just three players who caught a pass from the previous season, as well as a large portion of its defensive leadership, so the opportunity for Coach Randall Zimmerman's team to get in-game experience was invaluable.
Junction City will now look forward to their season opener against the Topeka High Trojans on Thursday, September 2 at Hummer Sports Park in Topeka.
The Blue Jays will not play at home until week four of the 2021 season, when they open up their brand new stadium.