When the Union Titans needed him most, senior running back Jaydon Jones didn’t disappoint.
After an injury to starting quarterback Dominic Colletto, Jones took over the lion’s share of offensive touches on his way to a 216-yard, three-touchdown performance in a 35-21 victory over rival Mountain View on Friday night at McKenzie Stadium.
Jones ran for touchdowns of 26, 5 and 2 yards as he made the most of his opportunity with the offense running through him and a bruising offensive line.
“We found our spark,” Jones said of the breakout performance.
Jones hasn’t seen a ton of reps over the past three years, but knows this season — his final with the Titans (1-1) — is his chance to shine.
“I felt like I really had to prove myself in front of everybody,” Jones said. “I just know what I can do.”
Noah Devore and Mitch Ratigan ran for scores of 3 and 20 yards, respectively, as the Titans scored 35 unanswered points.
Mountain View (1-1)opened with a defensive touchdown by Alexis Plummer, and got fourth-quarter scores by Akili Kamau (two-yard run) and Kyle Chen (16-yard pass from Mitch Johnson).
Key Moments
Scoop and score — On the third play from scrimmage, Mountain View sacked Union quarterback Dominic Colletto, who fumbled the ball as he went down. Mountain View lineman Alexis Plummer saw his chance, picked the loose ball up and rumbled 16 yards for the opening score and a 7-0 Thunder lead. That play also caused the injury to Colletto. Back quarterback Mitch Ratigan helmed the Titans’ offense the rest of the night.
First of three — Union running back Jaydon Jones gave the Titans a lead they didn’t relinquish with a speedy 26-yard second-quarter score to make it 14-7.
Seizing control — Ahead 21-7 at the half, Union wanted a stop to put a stamp on the game. The Titans for exactly that when they forced a fumble on Mountain View’s opening second-half possession and converted on the short field in just two plays to take a 28-7 lead.
Key players
Jaydon Jones — The shifty back had 216 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carries as he carries the Titans to victory.
Jacob Martin — The impressive Mountain View sophomore helped hold Notre Dame commit Tobias Merriweather to just two catches. He also had six catches for 73 yards on offense, in addition to punting and return duties.
Jackson Plieth — Part of a dominating Union defensive performance, the Titans defense didn’t allow a touchdown until the reserves were in during the fourth quarter. Plieth was in the backfield plenty as he played his part.
Quotable
“It was all my line. They’re dogs,” Union senior running back Jaydon Jones after a 216-yard rushing game.
