A pass interception with 17-seconds remaining the fourth quarter helped preserve a 26-21 Blue Jay win over the Topeka High Trojans.

Junction City led 26-21 late in the fourth quarter, but there was a fumble with 24-seconds remaining as the Blue Jays were trying to snap the ball to take a knee and run out the clock. The Trojans recovered and had one last chance to try and drive down the field, but on the very next play Blue Jay linebacker Tim Bell picked off a Corey Thomas pass and that sealed the victory.

Junction City coach Randall Zimmerman said the Blue Jays made the game too close. “I’m proud of our kids. They really competed hard.” But after scoring two early touchdown passes on pass plays from Ryan Hennington to Jovon Baldwin and jumping out to a 14-0 lead, the Blue Jays struggled to score once they were deep inside the Trojans territory.

“Got up on a very good team. We get the ball inside the 40 the next two possessions and don’t get points out of it.” Zimmerman added when his team gets good field position they have to find a way to get the ball in the end zone.

Hennington completed 10 of 26 passing, but it was his running that stood out in the game. He rushed 18 times for 216 yards for Junction City including a 70-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

The Blue Jays held the Trojans to 82 yards rushing, while quarterback Corey Thomas was 13-25 passing with one touchdown.

Junction City, 2-0, hosts Topeka West next Friday while Topeka High hosts Emporia.