Blue Jay football has finally returned to Junction City, as the Blue/White scrimmage kicked off.  It was an easy-going exhibition to show off the new Jays, and the experience of the vets.

This year’s seniors look to continue what last year’s group started, coming within just two games from a chance at winning the state championship.

Last season, the Blue Jays had the number one ranked defense in the league. With multiple defensive starters either graduated or moved to the offense, will JC be as the elite of a defensive team this year? Or is the focus, to shift the game plan to become more elite as an offensive team with the loss of all-star Raye Wilson and other key offensive players?

The 90-minute exhibition match both answered some questions and raised more. Offensively, the focus seems to be more of a passing team, the opposite of last year’s ground and pound offense. They also seem to have sped up the pace in the play calling, adding to the offensive strategy.

It was hard to judge the quality of the defense thanks to the handcuffs placed on their aggressiveness. Defensive players clearly ready to showcase their talent and prove themselves, showed good ability on stopping the run and holding the offense from the end-zone all-around.

The Blue Jays are looking to build off of last year’s season with what seems to be a completely new team. The Seniors are hungry for a strong finish in pursuit of the State Championship opportunity that was stripped from them last season.

Can this team follow up and come back even stronger than last year? Will the Silver Trophy stay in JC this year? So many questions rise in the anticipation of what looks to be an interesting season.