After dropping their season opener to Plateau Valley (1-0, 0-0 A-8 Northwest), the Mancos Blue Jays (1-1, 0-0 A-8 Southwest) made quick work of the Northwest Falcons (0-1, 0-0 8-Man District 1) on Friday in Shiprock.
The Mancos defense forced five takeaways, giving the ball back to the offense, which dominated and scored 51 points in a hurry.
And with New Mexico Activities Association’s mercy rule, the game was called at half after the Jays were up by more than 50 points.
“Everything went so fast,” said co-head coach Josh Gardner. “I’ve never been a part of game like that in my life.”
“We scored almost every time we touched the ball,” he continued. “The game was less than 30 minutes, long and we were actually leaving by the time some of the parents were getting there.”
Gardner said that the Blue Jays went into the contest focusing on winning the turnover battle.
And with the Falcons struggling to get the exchange down from center to quarterback, the Jays’ nose tackles were able to just fall on the ball and return it to the offense, who finished without giving away any turnovers of its own.
This week, though, the Blue Jays will face a bigger challenge in the Melrose Dutchmen (1-0, 1-0 Mid State Football League).
“I think they lost some seniors this year, but on film they still look pretty solid,” said Gardner. “Their quarterback throws the ball like 75-percent of the time, so they’re a huge passing team. And we’ve never faced anyone that passes as much, so that will be a challenge for us.”
Gardner said the team is obviously working on its pass defense prior to taking on the Dutchmen, but that they’re still emphasizing winning the turnover battle.
In order to trim the travel time for both squads, they contest will be held at Menaul High School in Albuquerque on Friday at 4 p.m.
