Jaguars dominate in all phases of the game

Game 8

There are three phases for football. Offense. Defense. Special teams. The Mill Valley Jaguars football team scored in all phases of the game and dominated Shawnee Mission North 49-14.

Max Piva picked up where he left off after last week’s record breaking 404 yard rushing performance with a long gain on the Jaguars first touch. 

Piva and Jaguars quarterback Blake Jay moved the Jaguars quickly down the field. A few players later Piva was in the end zone for a 5 yard touchdown run to give the Jaguars a 7-0 lead.

Both Piva and Jay gave credit to the Jaguars offensive line for their success.

“The overall performance of the offense tonight was well put together,” said Jay. “Max Piiva having another incredible game really helped us but it’s those guys up front that really get everything moving.”

“The overall effort by the offensive line is the only reason I’m able to succeed,” said Piva. “I’m very grateful for every play I get to run with them.”

The Jaguars offensive line created big holes in the Shawnee Mission North defense allowing the Jaguars to total more than 300 yards rushing.

On North’s first possession the Bison tried a hook and lateral that backfired, ending with them turning over the ball. The Jaguars would capitalize. Piva ran through the Bison’s defense, shedding multiple tackles on his way to a 26 yard touchdown run to push the Jaguars lead to 14-0.

After the Jaguars defense forced the Bison to punt, junior Kendyn Charbonneau fielded the kick and weaved his way though the North punt team on his way to a 50 yard punt return that ended up in the end zone giving the Jaguars a 20-0 Jaguar lead at the end of the first quarter.

North would answer with a touchdown drive to cut the lead to 20-7. After forcing the Jaguars to punt, the North offense was looking to make it a one score game. Junior linebacker Ryder Farley made sure that wasn’t going to happen. Farley intercepted a North pass and took it to the house to give the Jaguars a 27-7 lead.

Junior linebacker Ryder Farley picked off an Shawnee Mission North pass and ran in to the end zone for a score.

Piva would increase the Jaguars lead to 35-7 with a 34 yard touchdown run. North would answer right before the half scoring on a long touchdown pass to cut the lead to 35-14.

In the second half the Jaguars defense flexed their muscle and kept the Bison out of the endzone. Junior running back Ryan Helm would score two second half touchdowns and the Jaguars walked away with a 49-14 victory.

“To keep North in check we were fast and aggressive,” said senior defensive back Jaxon Masek. “We always had 11 hats on the ball and were always looking for takeaways. We knew North was going to give us their best shot so we were ready for any unexpected plays. I believe we wore them down and were more prepared physically and mentally.”

Jay praised the Jaguars defense for their effort and ability to make big plays. On the night the Jaguars allowed only 79 yards rushing and 228 yards passing.

“The defense did a great job getting stops,” he said.

Piva, who finished the game with 172 yards rushing, said that a strong week of practice had the Jaguars prepared for all situations. 

“The effort and focus and attitude was all great during the week,” he said. 

In addition to Piva’s 172 yards on the ground, junior Ryan Helm added 102 yards rushing while Jay contributed 64 yards.

The playoffs start next week and the Jaguars are faced with a tough matchup against Blue Valley High School. The Jaguars know the road to another state championship won’t be easy but they’re ready for the challenge.

“The most important thing is to really focus our mind on what we want to accomplish,” said Jay.”Things will be difficult moving forward and we know that so I think the leaders need to step up and take charge if we want to get where we want to be.”

“I feel confident heading into the playoffs,” said Masek. “Our goal as a team is to win a state championship. We want to keep our winning streak going and build off of our momentum. We are all excited to start our playoff run and win next week.”