The Menard Yellowjackets suffered their first district loss of the new 6-man football season last Friday, October 28. On a road trip to Mertzon, the Jackets came up short against the #8 ranked Irion County Hornets, 8-56.
Despite the contrast in score, the Menard’s lone 54-yard Isaiah Stanislawski touchdown and successful Roy Brown two-point kick were the only points the Hornets have had scored against them this year in district play.
“We knew Friday would be a tough matchup with Irion, they are one of the most athletic teams in the state of Texas, and it showed. We knew we wanted to get better, be physical, do the little things right, and come out healthy,” said head coach Bryson Oliver. “I feel like we were able to do all of those things, despite taking the 45-point loss.”
Oliver’s gameplan was to focus on the little things his team does well. Menard’s defense forced Irion County’s power offense to work hard, and in turn caused some turnovers. “We knew we didn’t want them to beat us throwing the ball deep to their stud receiver, and we stopped them from doing so with the help of Isaiah,” said Oliver.
With the win, Irion County (3-0 district; 8-0 overall) solidified the 13-A Div. 1 district champion title.
This Friday, November 4 is the last home game in the Yellowjackets “new era” of six-man football. They look to reignite a decadesold rivalry with nearby Eden. Although the Jackets are the heavy favorite to win, Oliver warns against taking the Bulldogs lightly: “Anything can happen in a rivalry game. We can’t start looking too far ahead at our playoff opponent and slip up in this one.”
Friday’s game will also serve as senior night. All senior players, cheerleaders, and band members will be recognized. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. at Findlay Field in Menard.
If the Jackets can pull off the win, they will officially be runners- up in district, and will face the first-place team from 14-1A DI in the bi-district round of the playoffs.
The Junior Jackets travel to Eden on Thursday, 11/3 for their 5:30 p.m. game.
Last week’s district 13-A scores: Irion County 56, Menard 8. Robert Lee 64, Eden 19. Veribest was open. This week’s district 13-A games: Irion County at Veribest; Eden at Menard; Robert Lee is open.