Jackets Defend Area Round Versus Dumas

(Photo credit to Kimmie McKinney Photography – more photos at KimmiesPhotography on Facebook)

Vernon, TX–For the first time this season, Stephenville not only allowed points in the first quarter but also trailed in a game. It would prove not to matter as the Jackets would then score 55 unanswered and win 55-7.

It appeared the Jackets would have another fast start with the defense forcing a three-and-out on the opening possession and then blocking the punt. The Stephenville offense would take over at the Dumas 10 yard line. The first play would be a run to the five. But two incompletions later and the Jackets would be forced to settle for a short field goal. The try would be unsuccessful and the Demons would take over. Two plays later, after a 77 yard touchdown pass for Dumas, Stephenville trailed 7-0.

A crucial point in the game came with 5:24 remaining in the first half. Stephenville had scored three straight to take a 20-7 lead but Dumas was deep in Jacket territory. Facing a fourth and goal from the one yard line, the Demons would go for it. The pass play on 4th down would be completed, but the War Dog defense sniffed out the play and tackled the receiver for a three yard loss. The stop was reminiscent of the goal line stand against Ruston, earlier in the year.

After the opening drive missed opportunity for the Jacket offense, Stephenville would score touchdowns on their next eight drives. The only other drive not ending in a touchdown, was the final possession in which the Jackets ran out the clock in victory formation. Stephenville’s defense would truly flex their muscles in the second half versus the impressive Dumas offense. Dumas came into the game averaging 43 points per game. Not only did the Jackets shut them out in the second half, they were held to only 17 total yards and one first down.

Individually, QB Trot Jordan was 12/16 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. Zyler McClendon rushed ten times for 101 yards and three touchdowns with Carter VanZandt carrying it six times for 57 yards and two scores. A couple of highlight reels would be created with two amazing “circus-catches” from Adan Jergins and Jhett Banuelos just outside the goal line on deep balls. Jergins would finish with three catches for 71 yards and a touchdown and Banuelos brought in four receptions for 95 yards. Caden Monk would constantly get behind the Demon secondary bringing in five catches for 147 yards and a touchdown with Brighton Devivo rounding out the receiving corp with three catches for 21 yards and a score.

Defensively, three Jackets would lead the team in tackles. Hudson Butchee and Briar Floyd would each have 13 tackles with Caleb Taylor having 12. Cash Kribbs was credited with the blocked punt and Jackson Richmond with recovering that live ball.

Next up for Stephenville will be a rematch of last year’s Regional Quarter Final with Canyon Randall. The Jackets won the match-up last year, 46-7. The upcoming game will kickoff at 5pm on Friday, November 28th at Snyder High School. With the early kick and the distance to the neutral site, Barefoot Campus Outfitter’s Coffee with Coach will be moved to noon on Wednesday, November 26th. As always, the game can be heard on one of KSTV FM’s many platforms.