Junction City uses big 3rd quarter to down Dodge

JUNCTION CITY–Junction City broke open a tie game in the third quarter, sparked by a TJ Jones punt return for a touchdown, to pull away from Dodge City 42-21, notching their first win of the season Friday at Blue Jay Stadium.

The Blue Jays, led by star dual-threat quarterback Xavion Felton, took control with the ground game. Felton combined with both TJ Jones and MC Taylor to wear down Dodge City’s defense, which allowed -28 rushing yards to Wichita West last week.

Friday’s game remained within one score until about halfway through the third quarter when TJ Jones returned a punt more than 50 yards for a score. That put the Blue Jays up 28-14, and the lead only grew from there. Junction City outscored Dodge City 21-0 in the third quarter.

Dodge stayed competitive in the first half thanks to two important mistakes by Junction City, the first of which was a muffed punt by TJ Jones, giving the Red Demons a short field. Later in the half, a face mask penalty on the Blue Jays gave Dodge City a first down to keep their drive alive, which eventually resulted in the Red Demons tying the game for a second time.

The lone second half touchdown for Dodge came with just more than three minutes left in the fourth quarter and the game well out of reach.

Dodge City falls to 1-1 with the loss.

The Red Demons return to action next Friday when they host Wichita South in the Dodge City’s annual homecoming game. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT.