Jays handle Gateway Tech on Homecoming night, 55-22

Jefferson City running back Jerry McMillian gets stopped short of the end zone by the Gateway Tech defense after picking up big yardage on a run down the sideline during Friday night's homecoming football game at Adkins Stadium.
Jefferson City running back Jerry McMillian gets stopped short of the end zone by the Gateway Tech defense after picking up big yardage on a run down the sideline during Friday night's homecoming football game at Adkins Stadium.

The only thing that slowed down Jefferson City on Friday was Gateway Tech's late arrival. And it only slowed the inevitable.

Elijah Pittman ran for three first-quarter touchdowns as Jefferson City celebrated Homecoming with a 55-22 victory against Gateway Tech at Adkins Stadium.

The start of the game was delayed 15 minutes after the Jaguars were late getting to Adkins Stadium. But it didn't matter.

It was mismatch on paper between the Class 4 Jaguars and Class 6 Jays, and it turned into that on the field. Pittman's touchdown runs of 26, 10 and 8 yards puts the Jays up 21-0 late in the first quarter and the Jays added on from there.

"I thought our 1's really went out and did what they were supposed to do," Jefferson City head coach Ted LePage said. "Very workmanlike, pretty much like we've done all year. I was pleased with the way we were able to run and throw the football tonight."

Most of Jefferson City's starters came out midway through the second quarter with the Jays leading 36-0 following a safety.

The Jaguars (2-5) got on the board in the final minutes of the first half with a 14-yard touchdown pass from Antonio Cunningham to Zach McBride to make it 42-8. Jefferson City led 55-8 in the third quarter before a pair of late Gateway Tech touchdowns against Jefferson City's backups closed the gap.

The Jays (5-2, No. 7 in Class 6) led 42-8 at halftime. With the wide margin, the clock ran almost continuously through the second half.

Before giving way to Isaac Roling midway through the second quarter, Gabe Marcantonio had about as good of a game as possible for a quarterback. He completed his first nine pass attempts and finished 10-of-11 for 110 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jake Pridgin. He also had a 10-yard touchdown run. Denzel Wilson added a 1-yard touchdown run late in the first half and a 15-yard score in the second half. Isaac Roling added a 3-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter.

"It just seemed like he was in rhythm," LePage said of Marcantonio. "Each week he feels more and more comfortable. But I thought we did a great job up front."

Jefferson City outgained Gateway Tech 342-261. The Jaguars threw for 242 yards, including two passes for more than 50 yards.

Austin Chiagorom and Darryl Williams had interceptions for the Jays. It was the most points Jefferson City scored since beating Gateway Tech 56-21 last season.

The schedule toughens up next week as Jefferson City welcomes Rockhurst to Adkins Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Related:

Missouri high school football scores for Oct. 11, 2013