The Junction City Blue Jays rallied from a 21-7 second quarter deficit to defeat the Washburn Rural Junior Blues 42-25 on Senior Night at Al Simpler Stadium.

It was a big win for the Blue Jays coached by Randall Zimmerman. “Washburn Rural is such a good team, just an incredibly good team, physical, strong. They had eight returning offensive starters, seven returning defensive starters, and our kids came out and they played hard, and they played for each other.”

Blue Jay running back Jerma’l Campbell got the comeback going with a 41-yard touchdown run with 2:17 remaining in the second quarter. Washburn Rural drove the ball downfield but a pass by quarterback Blake Peterson was picked off and returned 92 yards for a touchdown by Blue Jay safety Raye Wilson with just 14 seconds remaining in the first half. That touchdown allowed the game to be tied 21-21 at halftime.

In the third quarter Junction City reeled three consecutive touchdowns to go ahead 42-21 entering the fourth quarter, but the Junior Blues put together their own late rally scoring two touchdowns in the final five minutes. But a final onside kick by the Junior Blues was recovered by Junction City and the Blue Jays were able to run out the clock, and secure the win.

The victory for Junction City came in the district opener for both teams.  The Blue Jays and Washburn Rural are both 5-2 overall on the season.