After a tough loss to De Smet last week, Creighton Prep was eager to make adjustments. Against Omaha Burke, the Junior Jays’ game plan was clear: rely on their powerful rushing attack, and it paid off spectacularly.
From their opening drive, Prep established dominance on the ground. Just two minutes into the game, running back Jacob Ruby opened the scoring for a Junior Jay offense that would score 50 points in a 50-15 thrashing of the Burke Bulldogs.
The Junior Jays used their two-headed attack from the backfield in Ruby and Angelo Walker to power their high-octane offense and wear down the Bulldogs. They both found the end zone twice in the first half alone. Walker also added a second-half touchdown following an interception from defensive tackle Elisee Ahianti.
The Junior Jays ended the day with over 250 rushing yards and 7.3 yards per carry, a stark difference from last week’s 21 rushing yards on 23 carries.
Quarterback Tony Coniglio also impressed, throwing for nearly 140 yards and a touchdown. He also added a 55-yard scramble that led to his touchdown pass to tight end Matt Sledge.
The defense was extremely solid outside of a few hiccups. Burke quarterback Nate Collins found receiver Marcus Buchanan on two screen pass touchdowns, both over 40 yards. Buchanan finished with 209 receiving yards, more than Prep allowed to any receiver last year.
However, Collins and Buchanan’s connection was the lone drawback that the Prep defense allowed. Burke only mustered 3.2 yards per carry and Collins faced heavy pressure all throughout the night.
Next week, the Junior Jays will test their rushing attack stacks against Cash Buttenback and #7 Lincoln Southeast’s (2-0) offense. Buttenback has 236 rushing yards and five yards per rush through the Knight’s first two games.
The Junior Jays should feel much better after putting a game in the win column for the first time this year. While there are improvements to be made – in defending the screen and helping the offense stretch the field – this confidence boost should fire up the Junior Jays for action against the Knights.
THIS WEEK: vs Lincoln Southeast @Seeman Stadium (Friday, 7:00 PM)
