Home field passes test, Windsor to host Rancho in Homecoming Game
The Jaguars turned in one of their best efforts of the season on Friday at Montgomery, exploiting five Viking turnovers to lead from start to finish in a 28-8 romp in Santa Rosa.
The dominant victory pushed Windsor’s season record to 4-1 and an even 1-1 in the North Bay League.
On Tuesday, the Jaguars received confirmation that their home field has been deemed playable for the first time this season. After failing a compaction test in August, the seven-year-old all-weather turf has undergone a total replacement of the synthetic fill and will be ready to go on Friday.
The timing couldn’t be better, as the Jags return to the friendly confines of Kirkpatrick Stadium on Friday, Oct. 7 to host Rancho Cotate in the annual Homecoming Game. Kickoff times for the JV and varsity are 5 and 7:30 p.m.
The Cougars (2-0, 3-2) are coming off a 41-9 shellacking over Casa Grande on Sept. 30 and their high-octane offense figures to provide a stiff challenge to the Windsor defense this week. Â
Opportunistic Jags
The Jaguars wasted no time in establishing control in the Sept. 30 tilt at Montgomery, setting the tone on the opening possession. Quarterback Kobe Roman directed a run-oriented drive resulting in a 6-yard scoring run by senior back David Escarcega. The PAT kick failed and the Jaguars led 6-0.
After recovering an onside kick, the Jags stalled deep in Vikings territory, but the ensuing punt had the Vikings pinned inside their five-yard line. The Windsor defense came up big moments later when linebacker Joey Pignataro sacked the Montgomery quarterback for a safety and the Jags led 8-0. Windsor finished the period with a 26-yard touchdown burst by running back Jackson Baughman for a 14-0 lead at the end of one.
Meanwhile the Windsor defense, which would force five turnovers on the night, continued its outstanding play to throttle the Vikings throughout the second quarter.
The Jaguars gained a three-score advantage when Baughman capped another Windsor march with a 4-yard touchdown run for a 21-0 lead at the half.
The Jaguars kept their foot on the gas in the third quarter, as Roman hooked up with receiver Marcel Sands on a 40-yard scoring strike for a 28-0 bulge at the end of three.
The Vikings avoided the shutout late in the final period on a 4-yard touchdown run from running back Trae Anaya, followed by a successful 2-point conversion try, but the Jags cruised to an eventual 28-8 win.
Roman turned in an effective night under center, completing 12 of 25 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, while churning up 83 yards on the ground.
Baughman led a rushing attack with 10 carries for 101 yards and 2 scores, while Escarcega had 74 rushing yards and a touchdown. Sands was the leading pass catcher with 2 grabs for 52 yards and one score. Â
Top defenders included Brett Stibi (6 tackles, fumble recovery) and Pignataro (5 tackles, safety, sack, INT).
