Friday Night Lights

The Christ Prep Patriots got their first test of the 2010 season Friday night at the South Harrison Jamboree in Bethany, Mo.  CPA's coaching staff was fairly pleased with the effort as the team clicked in most phases of the game.

The Jamboree featured a round-robin format with four teams competing in alternating 24 play scrimmages. Christ Prep competed against the South Harrison Bulldogs (the host school), the Trenton Bulldogs, and the Maysville Wolverines.

By all accounts Christ Prep came out on top for the evening. CPA scored one touchdown against South Harrison and scored two against each of the other two schools. The Patriots gave up one touchdown in each of the three scrimmages. Officially Christ Prep's record for the evening was 2-0-1 although the "tie" against South Harrison was broken in the Patriot's favor as CPA outgained the Bulldogs in total yards.

The five Patriot touchdowns were divided fairly well between running and passing plays. Senior QB Darren Wallace connected with WR Jack Layman for a couple of 35 yard scoring strikes--one against South Harrison; the other against  Maysville. Senior RB Jared Nield rushed for two long (35 yard) touchdowns--one each against Trenton and Maysville--while junior RB Jesse Mann ran for another 30 yard touchdown against Trenton. Wallace connected on several other passes during the Jamboree. The recipients of those tosses were Zach Hersberger, Jared Nield, Jack Layman and Timothy Finley (2).

Defensively the Patriots showed well. Outstanding plays were delivered by the CPA linebacker corps of Jacob Bronars, Michael Force, Jared Nield, and Ezra Boyd. Will Willis, Jack Layman, Zach Hershberger, and Grant Layman, among others, were also observed making strong tackles. 

Overall the coaching staff felt like the Patriots performed much better than in last year's Jamboree which was held at Graceland University in Lamoni, Ia. And although the evening was definitely not perfect (a couple of turnovers), the night gave the team a boost as it prepares for its September 4th opener against Sunrise Christian Academy.

Some other Jamboree notes....

• The Patriots were by far the smallest team numerically at the Jamboree. CPA dressed just over 25 guys while the other teams suited out between 34 and 58.
• The Jamboree format did not allow for any special teams (kicking game) plays nor did it penalize the teams for turnovers (fumbles lost and interceptions did not switch the defense to offense)
• The three other Jamboree schools are members of the Missouri State High School Activities Assn. (MSHSAA). South Harrison and Maysville compete in Class 1 while Trenton competes in Class 2.

Enjoy some more photos (below) from Friday's action in Bethany.