Broncbusters Football Looks to Defend No. 5 Ranking at No. 9 Iowa Central

GARDEN CITY, KS. – It’s not every day that you draw comparisons to a Super Bowl-winning running back. The dominant performance put on by Garden City running backs James Jones and Fred Davis torched then-No. 12 Butler in the second half, boosting the Broncbusters to a huge week one win.

Fifth year head coach Tom Minnick has coached plenty of elite playmakers in the NFL, including Damien Williams – a World Champion halfback with the Kansas Chiefs – during his tenure at Arizona Western. The duo of Jones and Davis combined for 182 yards in the win, putting not just the Kansas Jayhawk Conference, but all of JUCO Football on notice.

Garden City looks to move further up the polls this week as they travel to Fort Dodge, IA. to take on the Iowa Central Tritons. 

The Broncbusters scored four rushing touchdowns in week one’s victory, with Jones scoring in the third and fourth quarter. He was named KJCCC Co-Offensive Player of the Week, rushing for over 100 yards for the third time in his career.

Davis also tallied a touchdown in the fourth, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and 77 all-purpose yards in the win.

“I’ve got a one-two punch that is dangerous, if they stay healthy,” Minnick said. “[James Jones] is really good, when he knows what he’s doing. He has so much talent, he just has to keep learning, and he’ll be fine. With Fred… I haven’t had a power back like that, that I could trust to give it to on 4th down that’s going to get it every time, since I had Damien Williams. He’s like that, I trust him to get it every time, he’s hard to tackle.”

It was a change of pace from Garden City’s offensive philosophies from last season. The Broncbusters led the Jayhawk Conference in passing yards per game, but couldn’t generate much through the air. Minnick saw the way that Butler was attacking them, and threw the perfect counter-punch.

“They threw some blitzes in there that we hadn’t seen before,” Minnick said. “We just had to overcome it and coach them up on it, and they did a better job in the second half.”

The Broncbusters out-scored the Grizzlies, 20-15, in the second half, leading by as much as 11 points in the fourth quarter. When asked about the success he had, Jones gave full credit to Garden City’s offensive line. New Offensive Line coach Rafe Maughn was pleased with the win, but knows his group can do more.

“I wanted more, man,” Maughn said. “I think they settled down in the second half, which is where we got more production. I was hoping for more, and we’re definitely going to stride for perfection. I tell them every week, I know perfection isn’t really possible, but we’re going to stride for and and we’re going to demand it so we come as close to it as possible.”

Garden City’s starting offensive line is a young one, including three Freshmen in J’Marion Gooch at left tackle, Sione Pulu at center, and Kaliem Croswell at right guard. The lone experienced piece is Independence transfer Tavareon Sanders at left guard, who set up Jones’ first touchdown with a key block on the outside.

“He has a passion for the game and responds to challenges very well,” Maughn said. “I love his ability to be coached and respond.”

GCCC’s offensive line helped the offense record 345 yards in week one’s victory, but they may need more in week two. Iowa Central beat Garden City for the first time in program history last season, 40-21, leading by as much as 37 points.

The Tritons defeated the Independence Pirates, 28-15, in week one, behind four passing touchdowns by quarterback Justin Silverstein. Silverstein threw for 115 yards against Garden City last season, and is looking to lead the Tritons to a second-straight 2-0 start.

Coverage from Dodger Stadium begins at 11:30 A.M. with the American Implement Pregame Show. Kickoff between the Broncbusters and Tritons is currently scheduled for 12:00 P.M. on Saturday.