Hi-Liner Football Falls to Jamestown Blue Jays

The Hi-Liners knew that they were in for a tough battle on Jamestown’s football field. The Iron Helmet was up for grabs as the two cities’ high schools renewed their rivalry, even though they’re in different classes (Blue Jays are AAA and HiLiners are AA).

Valley City was successful in stifling the Blue Jays’ offense during the first quarter, though they struggled to break through Jamestown’s defense at the same time. Hi-Liner Max Fehr kept Valley city’s offense marching down the field during their possessions, but didn’t have enough to put points on the board until the second quarter. Kael Grebel, Valley City’s quarterback, made it a 6- 0 game when he ran into the endzone and made it 8- 0, completing a pass to Luke Wendel for the two-point conversion. The Blue Jays kicked things into gear as the clock ticked down the final seconds of the half and after a hard drive down the field, a 17-yard pass from Ty Monson to Jacob Hilgemann put Jamestown on the board. After the Blue Jays’ two-point conversion, the teams were tied 8-8.

In the beginning moments of the second half, it was clear that Jamestown’s offense had found its groove. A four-yard pass and kick by the Blue Jays tilted the score in their favor, 15-8, and an incredible 84-yard pass by Monson to Hilgemann and extra point put the Hi-Liners behind, 8-22.

Valley City’s offense struggled for headway during the second half, and their defense couldn’t shut down the explosive offensive drives the Blue Jays brought for the third and fourth quarters. Jamestown added a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, topping the HiLiners in the end, 368.

“Our guys played extremely hard tonight and I am so proud of their effort,” Hi-Liner Football Coach Scott Roehrich said after the game. “Jamestown made some great adjustments at halftime and made some big plays in the second half that proved to be the difference. We are excited to begin league play next week and are very grateful to still be playing football.”

The Blue Jays have seen an impressive, successful season in which they’ve beaten Dickinson, Minot and football powerhouse Bismarck Legacy in addition to Valley City. They are now 4- 0 on the season, 3- 0 in Class AAA.

The Hi-Liners have fallen to Bismarck St. Mary’s and won versus Stanley this season, putting them at 1-2 overall and 1-1 in Class AA.

The Blue Jays continue their season by heading to Bismarck to take on Century High School on October 9, while the Hi-Liners travel to Wahpeton October 2.