Jaguars shut down Shawnee Mission East

Game Three

Start with some Blake Jay, add a dominant defense and that my friends is the start of a recipe for victory. 

Mill Valley bounced back from last week’s loss against Lee’s Summit North to thrash a Shawnee Mission East team that was coming off two impressive victories to start the season. 

Mill Valley’s Blake Jay had himself a night. The senior quarterback scored 5 touchdowns on the ground and threw for another in a 56-21 victory over the Lancers.

While he was running wild, Jay was quick to give the credit for his big night to his offensive line and receivers. 

“Without their blocks both me and the running backs can do nothing,” Blake said. “Those boys have worked their butts off and tonight they showed how good they are.”

Blake Jay heads to the end zone for his second of five touchdowns on the night.

The offensive line was indeed very good. As a team the Jaguars rushed for 349 yards. Jay contributed 97 of those yards.

Junior running back Max Piva added two second half touchdowns on the ground and Blake found wide receiver Anthony Clem for a touchdown in the third quarter.

“The offensive line had a slow start but once we watched film we took off,” said senior offensive lineman Nick Philhour. “We dominated up front. Us, as an oline, believe we’re the best oline in the state and Blake getting 5 first half rushing touchdowns shows it.”

Nick said the team used last week’s loss as motivation to learn and get better. 

“Every week we are seeing less mistakes and I’m excited for what we are going to be capable of doing once we are mistake free,” he said.

On defense, the Jaguars shut down the Lancers rushing attack, limiting them to only 37 yards on the ground. Forced to pass more than they were comfortable doing, Shawnee Mission East found themselves under a relentless pass rush all night. They managers 95 yards through the air.

Junior defensive end celebrates a big sack.

Defensive lineman Josh Garcia had a big night on the field pressuring the Lancers quarterback all night and coming up with a big sack.

“The defense effort was amazing. Shawnee Mission East looked really good coming in and we knew that all week of practice,” Josh said. 

“The key to our victory was our preparation. We believe no other team in the state of Kansas preps as well as us,” he said. “But most importantly was playing as a team.  Everyone on the team loves each-other and treats each other like brothers and play as one.”

Senior defensive back Jenner Scobee echoed Josh’s comments.

“The defense played outstanding tonight.” Jenner said. “Energy all around was just at another level. That's when we play best is when we’re full of energy, flying around and making plays, and celebrating with each other. Every single person executed their job and that's why we were so dominant.”

With their impressive win, Blake feels like the Jaguars are coming together and are ready to make another run at a state championship.

“I would describe the mindset we have right now as feeling the most confident we ever have” he said. “We know every team we play will be good but with the work and preparation we put in we all know we can win. Our coaching staff is the best around and they have done everything they can to prepare us.”

The Jaguars will travel to Lawrence next week to play the Lions. Gametime is at 7 p.m. 

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