Allie Odom reigned as the 2019 Jay Homecoming Queen and school passing records fell on the football field as the Royals defeated Freeport 47-40 in an offensive showdown Friday night in Jay.
Jay quarterback Judd Smith threw six touchdown passes (five in the first half) and Brent Eister set records for receiving yards at 243 and also set the single-game touchdown receiving record with five.
“It was a big night for the Royals,” said head coach Melvin Kersey. “A great homecoming win against the Freeport Bulldogs who came into the game with a 6-1 overall record.”
The first half offensive shootout that saw Jay take a 40-26 lead at the half turned into a defensive game in the second half with Freeport outscoring Jay 14-7.
Jay opened the scoring early Friday on a 63-yard pass from Smith to Eister. Toby Mandell added the PAT and Jay led 7-0.
Freeport scored on a 33-yard pass, but the PAT failed and Jay still held the lead at 7-6.
Ryan Eister then scored on a 39-yard run and Mandell's PAT gave Jay a 14-6 lead.
Freeport answered with a 73-yard touchdown run and the PAT kick was good to close the gap to 14-13 with Jay clinging to the one-point lead.
Smith then hit Brent Eister on a 50-yard touchdown pass. Mandell's PAT was no good and Jay led 20-13.
Freeport added a 9-yard touchdown but missed the PAT as the first quarter came to a close with Jay leading 20-19.
Early in the second quarter it was Smith to Eister again on a 24-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was no good, but Jay had stretched the lead to 26-19.
Freeport scored on a 35-yard touchdown pass and the PAT tied the game at 26-26.
Smith connected with Eister again on a 42-yard touchdown pass and Mandell's PAT gave Jay the lead at 33-26.
In the closing minutes of the first half, Smith hit Kaden Roberson on a 19-yard touchdown pass. Mandell's PAT gave the Royals the 40-26 lead at intermission.
Freeport cut the lead to 40-33 early in the third quarter on a 7-yard run and successful PAT.
Jay answered when Smith and Eister connected again on a 29-yard touchdown pass. Mandell's PAT gave Jay a 47-33 lead.
Freeport scored the only points in the fourth quarter on a 9-yard touchdown pass and added the PAT to make the final score 47-40 Jay.
Jay ended the night with 172 yards rushing and 266 yards passing for a total offensive effort of 438.
Ryan Eister led the rushing attack with 77 yards on seven carries and a touchdown. Connor Roberts had 54 yards on 11 carries and Hunter Deese had 19 yards on four carries.
Smith ended the night hitting on 10 of 17 passes for 266 yards and six touchdowns.
