Jared Schmeltzer
Reporter
On Friday night, Sept. 6, the Bluejay football team traveled to Antigo still from last years season finale, where Antigo defeated Merrill 28-8 on their home turf. However, the Jays will have to wait until next year for their revenge, as Antigo beat Merrill in similar fashion by a score of 28-0.
There wasn’t much offense to speak of in the first quarter, until a long drive for Antigo resulted in a 1-yard touchdown run with 1:45 left. Following the PAT (point after touchdown) attempt, the Red Robins would lead the Jays 7-0. With seven minutes remaining in the first half of play, Antigo found the endzone again on another 1-yard run. The Red Robins would elect to go for a two-point conversion this time around and they would succeed, extending their lead to 15-0.
In the second half of action Antigo remained steady, scoring another touchdown with 2:38 remaining in the third. A 21-yard hook up from Antigo’s Nevin Cornelius to Alec Hotchkiss, was enough to get the Red Robins back in the endzone. A two-point conversion attempt would fail this time, making it a 21-0 game. Another 1-yard touchdown run for the Red Robins with 1:43 left to play in the game would seal the deal, as Antigo earned the 28-0 victory over the Jays.
Leading offensive players for Merrill include Eddie Collinsworth who had 44 rushing yards on nine carries. Caleb DeJong had 38 rushing yards on seven runs, to go along with 45 passing yards on 13 attempts. Caleb Timm had 38 receiving yards on two catches.
Collinsworth was also the leading tackler for Merrill, totaling eight tackles, four assists and a tackle for a loss. Nick Zastrow had three tackles, two assists and a tackle for a loss. Alex Mann totaled three tackles and two assists.
Merrill will face off with Mosinee on Friday, Sept. 13. The Jays will be hosting the Indians at 7 p.m. and looking for a better result than last year, where they lost to Mosinee 20-6.