GACC routs East Butler to open season

The Guardian Angels Central Catholic Bluejays routed East Butler on the road Friday night, winning 68-14.

GACC led 22-0 at the end of the 1st quarter, and shutout the Tigers 24-0 in the 2nd quarter to go up 46-0 at halftime.

The Bluejays tripled up East Butler 22-8 in the 3rd quarter to lead 68-8 after the three.

The Tigers shutout GACC 6-0 in the 4th quarter.

Jared Minnick had 165 yards rushing on 14 carries, and scored four touchdowns. Cody Steffen had 6 carries for 131 yards and two touchdowns. Nate Niewohner had a team-high 8 tackles.

The Bluejays totaled 386 yards of total offense, and had 339 rushing.

The defense gave up 137 yards of total offense, 107 of them passing.

Very strong, dominant performance from GACC. The Bluejays appeared to look like they're in championship form already.

GACC (1-0) travels to Howells-Dodge (1-0) Friday night in action that can be heard on 107.9 the Bull.

The Jaguars won 34-16 at Clarkson/Leigh last week.

That was a nice win for Howells-Dodge, but the Jaguars weren't quite as dominant as the Bluejays it appears.

If GACC plays like they did against East Butler I think they stand a great chance to win, but if they aren't as sharp and struggle then I could see the Jaguars getting them.

I feel these two teams are about even from a talent standpoint although Cody Steffen's running ability could make the difference.

He has kind of emerged and came out of nowhere, and served nicely as a second running threat to Minnick.

GACC Head Coach Dave Ridder against Howells-Dodge Head Coach Mike Speirs...what else needs to be said?

There's a lot of state championship trophies and rings and appearances at Memorial Stadium between those two coaches.

It should be a great battle and chess match, and hopefully the game is very close and competitive.

I could see the Bluejays running away with things, but knowing the Jaguars and Speirs this thing will be close.

Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. with pregame at 6:30 on the Bull.