Jays open season up in a big way; Alexander finishes with three scores

Guthrie has controlled the opening-game series with Duncan recently, and in the latest season opener it proved to be true once more. The Jays offense dominated the tempo and the defense held the Demons to short gains throughout the night.

L’liott Curry brings in a catch and makes a move on a Duncan defender. Photo Courtesy of Jarrett George.

The Jays erupted to a 14-0 first quarter lead and eventually a 24-0 halftime before pulling off a 47-6 win over Duncan inside Jelsma Stadium Friday evening.

Headlining the game was senior running back Idea Alexander, who continues to show he can run between the tackles, take it to the edge and run with power. He finished with 197 rushing yards on 25 carries and two scores. His night was highlighted with a 95-yard kick return. Listen to his radio post-game radio interview.

Guthrie compiled 409 yards of total offense, including 323 yards on the ground with an offensive line that showcased four new starters. Meanwhile, Duncan managed only 132 total yards, but majority of those came on a 90-yard touchdown run from Trenton Bell with 27 seconds left in the game.

Listen to Head Coach Kelly Beeby’s post-game radio interview.

Alexander scored his first score touchdown from 19-yards out on the Jays eighth play from scrimmage.

Following a Duncan three-and-out, quarterback Zane Maltz capped off a 9-play drive and scored his first varsity touchdown to push the score up 14-0. Maltz finished 8-of-14 passing for 86 yards in his varsity debut.

Alexander was back in the end zone midway through the second quarter. This time from 4-yards out to finish a six-play drive that started at the Duncan 40-yard line.

Storm clouds rolled in just before halftime. Luckily they move on just before the start of the second half. Photos courtesy of Jarrett George.

On the final possession of the first half and Guthrie out of time-outs, kicker Nathanel Luevano drilled a 39-yard field as the snap came with three seconds to spare. The kick was just long enough and just inside the right upright to send the Jays dancing into the locker room up 24-0.

Listen to the radio highlights

Luevano finished with nine total points as he connected perfectly on all six of his extra point attempts.

Alexander added two more scores in the second half. Kelyn Hinds set up his only carry of the night after returning a kick, following a safety, all the way to the Demons 38-yard line. Two plays later he scored from 14-yards out to push the Jays lead up 33-0.

Following the lone score from Duncan, Alexander fielded the kick from the 5-yard line and sprinted to pay dirt to cap off the final score.

Jays continue to dominate Duncan series

Guthrie has now won six straight against the Demons, including a combine score of 190-12 with three shut-outs.

Season opening wins

With the win, Guthrie has now won their last five season openers and are now 9-5 dating back to 2001.