Patriots Outlast Jr. Jays

Some games are all gas and no breaks, while others prove that scoring, no matter the frequency, is always a precious commodity.

I don't know if you could ask for a better day to play a champ game. Some late-Octobers tend to get a bit brisk and even threaten to drop moisture on players and fans alike. The well-traveled among you could easily point out the 2023 title game between Aurora & Raymond Central for example. Thankfully, clear skies and moderate temps flipped that script on its head. Seward & Adams Central went to war for 4 quarters at Raymond Central High School this past Sunday and I don't believe that either squad left a drop in the tank when it was all said and done.

It took quite a bit for both teams to get things rolling. Towards the end of the first quarter, AC would strike first, punishing a costly trio of Jr. Jay defensive penalties. A 12-play, 5 and 1/2-minute drive resulted in 6 points for the Pats. The conversion pass fell in and out of the hands of #21 Brantley Nelson, leaving things at 6--0.

It didn't take but mere minutes for a response. A very favorable kick return to midfield was immediately followed up with a 51-yard scamper around the left edge from Seward 6th grader Broxton Janousek. He sprinted up the sideline and into the end zone to even things out for the Jr. Jays. A similar sweep, this time to the right, fell short of the goal line, leaving us with a deadlocked game of 6--6.

In the waning moments of the first period, Adams Central would see similar success in the special teams game. They returned a short Seward kick to right near midfield. In an almost rinse and repeat of the opening drive, a Seward penalty gave AC immediate red zone positioning. The Patriots, however, gave up some yardage of their own, committing an almost-drive killing false start inside the 10-yard line. The offense refocused and proceeded to open a left side hole for 5th grade tailback Reid Summers to bolt through, nabbing an additional 6 points. Another failed conversion attempt left us with a one score,12--6 ball game as we progressed further into the second.

Folks, at this time, I would like to remind you of how I opened this article. The score always dictates the victor, but for the remainder of this game, grit and toughness made a strong case as well. The Jr. Jays came out of the half with a lot of fire. An opening kick return down to the 19-yard line was just the shot in the arm they needed. From this point onward, the game got physical in a hurry. Seward picked up a first down off the motor from their rushing game, but stalled out just inside the 10. A turnover on downs and some back and forth play pretty much dictated the rest of the event. The entire second half was practically played between the 35s with a couple fumbles and an INT just to make things interesting. Those in the crowd that love to see the physical aspect of football were given quite the treat. Both teams went punch for punch all the way down the stretch, but at long last, the Patriots threw the final jab to secure victory. Stout defense won the day as Adams Central defeated Seward 12--6 in what's already proving to be an instant FVYFL classic! AC becomes only the third team in league history to hold 3 titles joining Cross County and Fillmore Central and only the second in 11-man, alongside FC.

We would like to thank both teams and their fans for making the trip and for giving everyone a taste of what FVYFL 11-man ball is really about! Another thank you goes out to Cameron Fletcher and the Raymond Central Youth Football staff for allowing us the use of their facilities and for holding such a fantastic and well-run event!

We appreciate each and every one of you who make our league what it is today. These past 10 years would've been impossible without your support of not just us, but of the very players that make up our organization. They're what it's all about in the end and we're so very glad to be a part of their journey. Thanks again and here is to a safe and relaxing offseason. 2026 will be here in a flash!

Photo Courtesy: Derek O'Connor