The top-ranked Jackson County Central football team took control down the stretch to beat Maple River in Thursday night’s season opener.
The Huskies pulled away from the Eagles 43-22 at Swearingen Field.
JCC head coach Tom Schuller says it’s one of their biggest regular season wins in recent memory.
Jacob Kruger’s first pass as a starting varsity quarterback was a 42-yard touchdown bomb to Brody Anderson. Kruger completed 10 of 15 passes for 168 yards and that touchdown.
Jazhyel Munoz added the extra point. Maple River responded with a long rushing touchdown to make it 7-6 JCC.
Anderson later scored on the ground from 16 yards away. He finished with 42 yards on four carries and 52 receiving yards on three catches. Mason Helmers added the two-point conversion for a 15-6 JCC lead.
Anderson made an interception at the goal line but then the Eagles turned momentum in their favor. Maple River scored a safety and cashed in the ensuing drive to tie the game.
Kruger completed a 46-yard pass to Gage Johnson and set the Huskies up for Haiden Warmka to punch it in from five yards out. Braxsten Hall took in the two-point pitch and it was 23-15 JCC at halftime.
Johnson fought his way in for a two-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter and made it 29-15 JCC. He finished with 81 yards rushing on 17 attempts.
Maple River completed a long touchdown pass to bring it to 29-22 JCC.
Mason Helmers made the play of the game by taking a 78-yard kickoff return to the house. Kruger tossed the two-pointer to Kason Farmer and it was 37-22 Huskies. Helmers fully slammed the door with his three-yard rushing touchdown with about three minutes left.
JCC extended active winning streaks to 34 straight regular-season games and 27 straight games overall after back-to-back unbeaten seasons.
The 1-0 Huskies visit Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial next Friday on KKOJ.
JCC Football took special time during the pregame to honor the memory of 2025 graduate Ron Kyle, who tragically lost his life on July 18 in Norfolk, Virginia. Ron was a member of the 2024 state championship team, where he wore #7. After graduation, he answered a higher calling, proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Navy.
We remember him not just as a champion on this field, but as a young man who represented the very best of what it means to be a teammate, a student, and a sailor.
Ron was more than a number on a jersey. He was our teammate, brother, friend, and a valued member of our JCC football family. His place on our team — and in our hearts — can never be replaced.
FULL POSTGAME SHOW
BRETT BARTHOLOMAUS PLAYED AT HALFTIME