Mount Ida gets points across at J’ville

JESSIEVILLE — With Jessieville looking to make a statement against the reigning Class 2A champion, Mount Ida flipped the script in the first minute of the game Friday night.

Mount Ida quarterback Cade Jackson found an opening and raced 63 yards on the team’s third play from scrimmage, giving the visiting Lions momentum that they never relinquished.

Outgaining Jessieville by 137 yards, Mount Ida rolled to a 28-6 win at Phillips Field.

“Our offensive line took over early in the game; we had the big play on the first drive and that puts a lot of pressure on the opponent,” Mount Ida coach Mike White said.

After a three-and-out defensive series, Mount Ida drove 76 yards in 11 plays, Jonathan Lagrange scoring from two yards out.

“I was real proud of my defense tonight; they got a big stop after our touchdown and it really set the tone,” said White.

Granted a second chance after a muffed punt by Mount Ida, Jessieville marched into enemy territory but was held off the scoreboard as Adam Saveall’s fourth down pass attempt from the 30 sailed incomplete.

“When we get across midfield, we’ve got to find a way to get it in the end zone,” Jessieville coach T.J. Burk said. “It’s tough to say ifs and buts, but it obviously would’ve helped to get a little momentum back and take some of the wind out of their sails. We’ll go to work on that and try to fix it for the next couple weeks before conference play.”

Taking over after a failed fake punt attempt by Jessieville, Mount Ida padded the lead midway through the third quarter. Lagrange rushed for 32 yards on five carries and Jackson went over from the one for a 21-0 advantage.

“We just never really got anything going the other way to swing the momentum back to our side,” said Burk. “Against a good football team, you have to be able to respond, and we weren’t able to do that tonight.”

Converting on two fourthdown attempts, Jessieville averted the shutout with a scoring drive late in the third quarter. Held in check for much of the night, Oliver Nasilai went in from five yards out to make it 21-6.

Cade Helms answered for Mount Ida on a 10-yard run with 8:49 left in the game.

Helms was one of three Mount Ida players to record at least 50 yards on the ground, Lagrange leading with 91 yards on 21 attempts.

“When you’ve got a good offensive line, they say anybody can run behind it,” White said. “It makes it easy to keep guys fresh, and they’re all capable. To be able to give guys

like Lagrange and Helms a break, it changes the pace and gives the defense something else to look at.”

Jessieville’s bid for a second scoring drive ended with Drew Allen’s interception in the final minute.

Saveall completed six of

20 passes for 86 yards, Hunter Ault and Dalton McClard each with two catches. Playing in his first game since suffering a knee injury last season, Dylan Wright paced Jessieville with

81 yards on nine carries, adding a team-high 38 receiving yards on two catches.

“Getting him back was big; it gives us another weapon,” said Burk. “We feel like we’ve got three guys in the backfield that we can line up anywhere and they’re a threat. It’s going to be tough for people to match up with us down the road. We’ve just got to fix a few mistakes, and we’ll be OK.”

Jackson finished with 74 rushing yards, 47 passing yards and 21 receiving yards for Mount Ida. Nasilai had 49 yards on 14 carries for Jessieville.

Jessieville (1-1) travels to Two Rivers next week before opening conference play Sept.

15 at Bismarck. Mount Ida (20) hosts Lamar next week at Stidman Field.