Blu-Jays overpower Lancers in a homecoming blowout

Junior receiver Aiden Patrick pulls down a pass in the end zone for a touchdown. (Photos by Billy Roudybush / Journal contributor)

By Billy Roudybush

Journal contributor

As the Pleasanton Blu-Jays and the Southeast Cherokee Lancers ran onto the field at Pleasanton High School stadium on Friday, Oct. 10, it looked like the Blu-Jays would find themselves in a pitch battle for a full four quarters.

Cherokee came in with some big boys on the line and looked to be a tough opponent. But it didn't take long for the Blu-Jays to assert their dominance on both sides of the ball. Coming off a tough 16-20 loss to Jayhawk-Linn the week before, Pleasanton, now 2-4, was eager for the win.

The Lancers, on the other hand, entered the game with a 3-0 record

Blu-Jay Antonio Bustllos (21) pulls down the Lancer ball carrier for a loss.

Pleasanton kicked off first and gave the ball to Cherokee. But the Lancers had trouble moving the ball, and after a few plays punted it back to Pleasanton. 

Pleasanton started their first drive by running up the middle several times. Sophomore running backs Hayden Mell and Ryker Carpenter alternated rushing and gained good yardage.

Then senior quarterback Kamden Staton started his passing attack. Hitting his top receivers, seniors Mario Davis and Gage McGinnis, as well as other receivers, Pleasanton moved down the field and scored quickly. 

Senior Mario Davis (12) catches a pass in the end zone on his back. The catch was good and added 6 points to the Blu-Jays' score.

While their offense could not score against the Blu-Jay defense and had no answer to Pleasanton's running or passing game, Cherokee was plagued with turnovers. Among fumbles, interceptions and punting the Lancers kept giving the ball back to Pleasanton.

Pleasanton ended up with a couple of long pass plays over 50 yards. Mario Davis managed to catch a touchdown after falling on his back and the ball fell into his arms. When the passing game got the ball into the Lancers' red zone, the Blu-Jays let the running game take over.

Carpenter and Staton both scored touchdowns on the ground. The Lancers finally scored a touchdown on a kickoff from Pleasanton, but that was the only real threat they ever made during the game. Pleasanton dominated this game and finished with a score 42-6.

The Blu-Jays travel to Uniontown this Friday, Oct. 17, to take on the Eagles (3-3). Both Pleasanton and Uniontown's records in Class 1A District 1 are 1-2. The Eagles lost to Cherokee on Sept. 26 with the score 18-40.