Jacks earn first win of the season

QUINCY — The Quincy Jacks (1-3) earned their first win of the season Friday, overcoming the Wapato Wolves 35-14 on the road. Head coach Seth Longwill said he was happy with what he saw from his players.

“I thought the kids really stepped up and they wanted it, they just kept fighting and playing hard, which is what we’ve been encouraging, not getting down and working together,” Longwill said.

In the first quarter, the Jacks struck first after quarterback Pierce Bierlink found Jace Reyes on a 21-yard touchdown pass. The Wolves did not respond offensively, and the Jacks finished the first quarter with a 7-0 lead.

In the second quarter, the Jacks struck while the iron was hot. Bierlink found Reyes on another pass over the middle that went for a 78-yard touchdown, increasing their lead to 13-0. After forcing a three-and-out, the Jacks' offense got back on the field.

After working their way downfield, they were in scoring position. Bierlink broke out of the pocket to the right side, directed traffic and found Jody Gardner for a 17-yard touchdown pass. Heading into halftime, the Jacks led the Wolves 20-0.

Both teams dealt with penalties throughout the game that Longwill said prevented Bierlink from having several more touchdowns.

“He could have had probably close to 300 yards passing. That was his best game; he’s cleaned up the turnovers. He was just taking care of the ball around the pocket and making plays with his legs, and with his arm,” Longwill said.

In the third quarter, the Wolves got on the board for the first time after a 26-yard passing touchdown, but were unsuccessful with the extra point kick. The Jacks' lead was cut to 20-6.

However, they responded on their next drive. They worked their way downfield and into scoring position with a 24-yard pass by Bierlink to Gardner. Moments later, Bierlink handed the ball off to Maximo Serrano for a two-yard touchdown run, stretching their lead to 27-6 at the end of the third quarter.

The Jacks scored one last time in the fourth quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Bierlink. Isaic Gregg converted the two-point attempt on the ground, increasing their lead to 35-6. The Wolves also scored once more and converted a two-point attempt, but it was too late to pull off a comeback, and the Jacks secured the 35-14 victory.

Bierlink finished 11 for 19 in passing for 190 yards and three touchdowns through the air. Serrano rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown of his own. Reyes shone with three receptions, going for 110 yards and two touchdowns. He also made his presence known on defense with an interception in the second half. Pedro Herrera also made an interception. Gardner had six receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown through the air.

“We finally put that game together where we (played) for 48 minutes. We didn’t have too many lapses as far as our effort and everything in execution, so that was a big thing that I was proud of,” Longwill said.

Longwill said his players did a great job of keeping their composure throughout the game and playing to the whistle. He said if it weren’t for some penalties not going their way, the differential on the scoreboard could have been larger.

After a slow start to the year, the Jacks are starting to show signs of growth, Longwill said.

“We’re trying to focus on each play at a time. After the games (we) go back and watch film. The first sessions have been good; it’s very positive. It’s just been a big thing, (being) positive with the kids. Let them know their coaches are here for (them). We’re not quitting at any point in the game. ‘We’re not quitting on you so don’t quit on us,’ in essence,” he said.

The Jacks host the Prosser Mustangs at home Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. Longwill said the Jacks are eager to keep improving.

“We’re just excited to continue to play and Prosser can be a tough opponent, but we’re going to give them everything we got,” Longwill said.

BOX SCORE:

QNCY: 7-13-7-8: 35

WPTO: 0-0-6-8: 14

    Edwin Hernandez (1) lines up on the field during the Jacks' game against Ephrata. Head Coach Seth Longwill said his players stepped up in their win over Wapato on Friday.
  

    The Jacks defense swarms an Ephrata player to make a tackle in the backfield. Jace Reyes and Pedro Herrera each recorded an interception in their win over the Wapato Wolves on Friday.
  

    The Jacks’ Jayden Baughman (15) lines up on the field in their game against Ephrata earlier this season.