The Junction City Blue Jays ( 3-0 ) scored 34 points in the first quarter and moved on to a 56-0 victory over the Topeka West Chargers ( 0-3 ) on Tribute to the Troops night at Al Simpler Stadium.

There was a running clock for the entire second half of the ballgame, meaning it only stopped on team timeouts, during an injury timeout, or on scoring plays.

Aided by three Charger turnovers the Blue Jays got the scoring going early on a 3-yard touchdown run by Jovon Baldwin with 8:55 remaining in the first quarter, on a 56-yard touchdown pass play from Ryan Hennington to Baldwin with 7:33 remaining in the period, and on a 4-yard touchdown run by Baylor Wilkey with 6:07 remaining in the opening quarter.

The Blue Jays, who used a number of substitutes, had a 41-yard touchdown pass to Chris Donald, and a 59-yard touchdown run by Johnnie Jones. Junction City capped the scoring by recording a two-point safety with 10:39 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Blue Jays play at Washburn Rural next Friday.

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During the Tribute to the Troops night activities longtime Junction City community member and Army Lt. Colonel (Ret. ) , Dennis ( Buzz ) Bruzina was honored through a new program at Blue Jay varsity home football games, “Salute to Our Heroes.” The recognition occurred between the first and second quarter with Bruzina walking out to the 20-yard marker on the west side of the field.

 

Bruzina was surprised at the recognition, and appreciative. On walking out onto the field and receiving applause, Bruzina said it was ” emotional, choked me up.”