Byrd does it again!

After a successful 50-3 homecoming game victory last week against Lakeshore, Byrd (currently 6-0) was more ready than ever to defeat Airline this past Thursday at Lee Hedges in the first district game of the season-  and as always, the Jackets did not disappoint.

Although the Jackets seemed to need a pick-me-up after a slow start in the first quarter, Byrd ended up pulling out another win  (31-13) thanks to the hard work of Byrd’s state-bound football team and good plays due to some special teams units. From the beginning, Byrd  scored two touchdowns from these special teams alone, which ended up giving Byrd the pick-me-up they needed- especially after a bad Airline punt snap, which gave Byrd an additional score.

Impressive plays began early on as defensive back Dayton Johnson (#34) blocked an Airline punt with the Vikings backed up. Soon after in the end zone, Tyler Johnson (#7) scooped up the ball and ended the first quarter with a 7-0 lead.

After two Byrd drives, a punt block occurred, which resulted  inturnovers as Airline recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass in the end zone. After this, Byrd’s defense, lead by  coordinatorStacey Ballew, forced two three-and-outs, the second of which resulted in a blocked punt. Airline did not receive a first down on their third drive and Byrd’s Demondrick Wells (#1) returned a  55 yard punt  for a touchdown as well as  Dominic Haggerty following suit. These two in addition to an impressive interception on a 70-yard drive  by  Jacob Bullard (#33) shut out the Vikings in the first half and gave Byrd an impressive 21-0 lead.

After a good half time performance by Byrd’s band- the “heart beat of the city”, who preformed a few songs from their show this year “Tribal Effect”. The Jackets returned back to the field. The third quarter kept Byrd in a strong lead. Unfortunately, while Airline was down by 31 points in the middle of the fourth quarter, they scored on two drives and a touch down.  

But despite this, Byrd’s defense still ruled the night, and heldAirline scoreless until touchdown drives in the last four minutes of the game. In the final minutes Byrd kicker Jake Wyss (#57) made a 31-yard field goal.

The victory from the Airline game was a perfect way to kick off the beginning of Byrd’s district games and give Byrd students even more things to be proud about. Next week the Jackets play rival,  Shreve Friday night at 7:00 at Lee Hedges Stadium. Tune into Jaws through out the week and after the game for recaps and photos as Byrd gets ready to sting Shreve!

Also- check out more of my game day photos and photography on: http://instagram.com/sav.donnelly