By Anthony Gorges
JC Post
The Junction City Blue Jays blanked Emporia 38-0 Friday night at Welch Stadium in Emporia.
After a first quarter controlled by the Spartans, the Blue Jays led 3-0 on a 37-yard field goal by senior Ethan Hileman.
Following a long Emporia drive that included three fourth-down conversions, the Blue Jay defense got a defensive score thanks to an 85-yard interception return for a touchdown by Jeremiah Ragin.
The Junction City offense came to life just before the half when junior quarterback Conrad Gomez connected with junior Lovell Autry on a 41-yard touchdown to lead 17-0 at halftime.
The Blue Jays started the second half with fireworks, scoring on their second offensive play on a 28-yard pass from Gomez to Jamarcus Vornes. Following the touchdown, on Emporia's first play of their drive, Lovell Autry intercepted the pass and Junction City scored one play later on a 32-yard connection between Gomez and Scholar Brown. At this point, the Blue Jays led 31-0 and cruised to a 38-0 victory.
Junction City recorded their third defensive shutout of the season, and with the win, their record is 4-4 to end the regular season.
Junction City is the eight-seed in the Class 6A West playoff bracket and will host nine-seed Topeka High on Friday, Nov. 1 at Blue Jay Stadium.