The top-ranked Jackson County Central football team turned in a gritty performance on the road Friday to beat upset-minded Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial.
The Huskies brought home a 25-0 shutout win over the Knights.
JCC head coach Tom Schuller says hard work in the offseason is paying off all the way down the roster.
The Huskies forced a three-and-out on the opening possession. Mason Helmers plunged in from two yards away on the first JCC offensive drive and Jazhyel Munoz added the extra point for the 7-0 Huskies lead.
The score stayed that way until almost the final minute of the third quarter.
The JCC defense forced several punts and a turnover on downs but never allowed a point despite an interception and a pair of fumble recoveries for the Knights during that stretch.
Blaise Rowe finished off an 11-play, 90-yard drive with a nine-yard touchdown reception from Jacob Kruger to make it 13-0 JCC late in the third.
That was one of Rowe’s three catches for 31 yards. Kruger finished 10-of-18 for 129 yards passing and had a 27-yard quarterback keeper on the first JCC drive.
Brody Anderson all but closed the door early in the fourth quarter with his 85-yard punt return house call. He also had three catches for 53 yards.
Braxten Hall made a key interception deep in Knights territory to help set up Gage Johnson adding a one-yard plunge to complete the scoring. Johnson earned 73 yards on 20 carries and added 35 yards on four receptions.
JCC extended active winning streaks to 28 straight games and 34 regular-season games.
The 2-0 Huskies visit Sibley East next Friday on KKOJ.
FULL POSTGAME SHOW