The Bluejays work together to defeat their opponent at Friday night’s game.

Before a large Parents Night crowd on Friday, September 3, the Newman Grove Bluejays defeated the Shelby Huskies 52-12. Shelby had been rated at #10 in Class D-1. The Huskies were 19-3 in the past two years (11-1 and rated #2 in 2008, 8-2 and rated #8 in ’09). They also returned nine seniors for this season.

The Newman Grove squad turned in a good all around effort. The defense had a very good “team effort,” holding a potent Shelby offense at bay until the Huskies got on the board late in the third quarter. At that point the score was 38-6. The Jays answered right back with two more goals. Shelby closed out the scoring toward the end of the third quarter to make it 52-12.

Both teams substituted freely in the fourth stanza but neither team scored.

The Bluejay “team defense” has given up only one touchdown by the starters in the first two games. Younger Jays have been able to have valuable playing time, which will help in the future. Team stats reflect a good team balance.

Even the parents get into the game. Marion McCuiston got caught cheering on Troy after a touchdown. Photo submitted by Carmen Johnson

On offense, the line of junior center Derek Wallin, guards Spencer Wallin, Mark O’Brien and Jason Kaufman, and ends Jesse Johnson, Alex Johnson and Scott Rasmussen—together they helped open lanes to reach an impressive 427 yards rushing and passing. The backs are also to be complimented for the unselfish blocking for each other.

The Jays have an open date this Friday and then host the Humphrey Bulldogs on September 17. at 7 pm. It will be Homecoming for Newman Grove. The Bulldogs are expecting to field their best football team in 16 years. They are rated pre-season at #9 in class D-2.

Last year the Bulldogs defeated 2007 state champion Chambers 36-14 in their opener last Friday. They host Osceola this week. Our game on the 17th looks to be an interesting contest.