Alexander the Great runs for a career high, again; Jays win 48-6

For the third time this season, running back Idae Alexander rushed for a career high. If there is a fourth time, it will be special.

The senior rushed for 261 yards, on 28 carries and three scores as the Guthrie BlueJays took down the Piedmont Wildcats 48-6 inside the friendly confines of Jelsma Stadium.

How friendly?

The BlueJays have now won 31 straight home games dating back to 2009, but more importantly the win moves the Jays to 2-0 in district play and 5-0 overall. Piedmont, who is playing for the first season in Class 5A after playing 10 seasons in 4A, remains winless (0-5, 0-2) and has dropped their last eight games dating back to last season.

Listen to head coach Kelly Beeby’s post-game radio interview.

Guthrie scored three times in the first half and four more times in the second half.

The Jays got going early with a 10-play opening drive that was capped off by Kelyn Hinds 9-yard run.

Alexander, who has rushing games of 197 against Duncan and 195 against McGuinness, hit pay dirt twice in the second quarter with runs of 19 and 2-yards to give the Jays a 21-0 lead at halftime.

At the half, Alexander had already piled up 130 yards on the ground.

Listen to Idae Alexander’s post-game radio interview.

The third scoring drive was as impressive as any drive this season. The Jays traveled 94-yrds, on 15 plays and gobbled up 6:16 of game time.

Piedmont struck first in the second half when quarterback Lucas Richert hit Steffen Funkhouser in stride for a 33-yard pass and catch to pull within two scores. However, less than 75 seconds later the Jays built back a three-score lead, 28-6, with a 3-play, 60-yard drive.

With the touchdown pass and a 49-yard pass to begin the game, Piedmont managed to gain an additional 56 yards of offense to finish with 138 yards total.

Both Guthrie quarterbacks found the end zone, including Zane Maltz twice with runs of 9 and 23-yards. Tanner Meredith showcased a gritty, hard-nosed run of 12-yards to finish the game’s scoring.

Listen to the game’s radio highlights with Chris Evans and Casey Porter.

The Guthrie defense continues to show why they are at the top of the list when it comes to shutting down the run. Through five games, opponents are averaging just 37 yards rushing against the stingy BlueJay defense.

Meanwhile, the Jays offensive line helped plow the running game over 300 yards for the second time this season (Duncan) and finished with 371 yards. The passing game added 89 additional yards (460 total) on 6-of-9 passing. Guthrie finished with an impressive 23 first downs in the game.

Next up for the Jays will be the longest road trip of the season with a visit to Guymon. The game can be heard on 105.1 FM or on either Guthrie Sports Page or Guthrie News Page.