The Junction City Blue Jays ( 4-4 )used a third quarter 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Javontez Brime and a six yard touchdown run by Chris Randolph to jump out to a 20-8 lead over the Emporia Spartans. But in the fourth quarter a ball control offense by the Spartans wore down the Junction City defense as Emporia scored 15 unanswered points in the final period to win at Al Simpler Stadium 23-20.

Emporia ( 4-4 ) held an 8-7 lead at halftime, after scoring on a safety and then a touchdown on their ensuing possession following a Blue Jay punt. Junction City coach Randall Zimmerman said the Blue Jays squandered opportunities in the first half with their offense, “just a miscommunication, calling the wrong plays, just didn’t know exactly what we’re running, and they’re too good a team to give them extra possessions, and we gave them a lot of extra possessions.” Zimmerman added defensively the Blue Jays played hard but were out on the field too much.

Zimmerman noted the game wasn’t won or lost on the field, and noted that Emporia was much stronger. While Junction City has some athletes that work hard in the weight room he added that Junction City needs to get kids in the weight room, and create ways to get them in there every single day. ”

The Blue Jays will now wait to find out their Class 6A postseason playoff opponent next Friday night.

( Photos courtesy of Rick Dykstra )