The West Platte Bluejays have already doubled their win total from last year and got the first conference win in five years with a 36-0 blistering of Plattsburg on Friday, Sept. 11, at home.
The Bluejays jumped out to a 14-0 first quarter lead and never looked back in the contest. West Platte dominated offensively on the ground while playing a strong defensive game. West Platte Head Coach Jim Newsted told the Platte County Citizen his team held Plattsburg to only 57 total yards in the game and only 12 yards rushing.
“I knew we were better up front then them so we just kept the game plan very simple and worked on getting the ball to our best playmakers,” Newsted said. “The plan worked.”
The Bluejays had 377 yards of total offense with 303 of the yards coming on the ground. Senior Brandon James led the way with 132 yards on 19 carries for a 6.9 yards per carry (YPC) average and scored three touchdowns. Junior Trent Taylor also rushed for 100 yards on 10 carries for a 10 YPC average and also found the end zone. Senior Luke Heili also scored a rushing touchdown. Heili also completed 6 of 13 passes for 74 yards.
West Platte was just as impressive on defense. In addition to his big rushing night Taylor also had an interception. Junior Emmett Sullivan had three sacks of the Plattsburg quarterback. Junior Lamar Henderson led the team with five tackles with three tackles for loss. Senior Will Finke had four tackles with two tackles for loss.
Newsted said a lot of credit goes to his assistant coaches. Newsted said the game plan focused on stopping Plattsburg’s top rusher.
“We had a good scheme that focused on him and our defense did a great job by holding Plattsburg to only 12 rushing yards,” Newsted said. “Brett Swope, our defensive coordinator, called a great game and our kids responded well.”
The Blue Jays will take their 2-1 record into this Friday’s game at home versus Lawson. Newsted said his kids are fired up after the win but he’s preaching a message of focusing on the next task at hand.
“I told them we are now 2-1 and 1-0 in the conference but let’s not be satisfied,” Newsted said. “Just like we preached we needed to finish the game at half; I reiterated that we also have to finish the season. We need to get better each week and be prepared to play at this level each and every week.”