Gateway Jaguars’ explosive offense and resilience secure a commanding 51-6 victory over Roosevelt Rough Riders in PHL football action.”
Photos left from right: Veteran Gateway Jaguars coach Jason Dulick has beaten his club’s first two foes by a combined score of 91-6, with an array of talent like receiver Haylen Hyde-Carothers (number 14) hauling in a pass against Roosevelt. Meanwhile, Jaguars quarterback Tylin Moore (number 1) has already surpassed the club’s touchdown passes of last year with eight scoring strikes in the first two games. (Photos by Leon Algee.)
It wasn’t domination early and the heavy underdog Roosevelt Rough Riders looked like anything but that last Saturday at Gateway.
But by midway through the fourth quarter, the cream had risen to the top and the upstart Rough Riders were eventually overwhelmed by the Gateway Stem Jaguars 51-6 in a Public High League football contest last Saturday afternoon. If there was any doubt whether the Jaguars’ 11-1 record and a deep postseason run to the state semifinals wasn’t a fluke last year, early returns seem to indicate it wasn’t.
After smashing Normandy 41-0 in the season opener, the Jaguars have won their initial two games by a combined score of 91-6. But that’s not to say that Roosevelt didn’t come out flat or intimidated; far from it. In fact, Roosevelt, which beat Confluence in its season opener, may have outplayed Gateway in a scoreless first quarter. They trailed only 10-0 at the half before things fell apart in the second half. Jaguars coach Jason Dulick said the combination of Gateway’s banner season coupled with the natural rivalry with Roosevelt, regardless of records, made for a challenging start.
“We’re going to get everybody’s best game,” said Dulick afterwards. “It’s like their Super Bowl They played like they wanted it more in the first quarter. They played with more energy. It’s a rivalry game. It’s always been that way.”
Gateway quarterback Tylin Moore completed 13 of 18 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns, receiver Gavin Dillion caught four passes for 171 yards, Javion Jones caught four passes for 69 yards and defensively Kair James had 10 tackles, Sean Wooten nine and Johnell Shorter had two sacks, as the Jaguars eventually rolled to victory. But whereas last year’s squad was more run-oriented and then more by committee with Anthony Raymer being the catalyst with 858 yards, this year’s edition so far has boasted a prolific air attack.
In passing for eight touchdowns thus far, Gateway quarterback Tylin Moore has already surpassed the club’s season passing touchdown totals of seven last year.
“This year we’ve got some guys who have stepped into bigger roles,” explained Dulick. “We got a big pickup from the basketball team in Gavin Dillion. That has really helped our passing game. Then many of the guys who have been here are going to have bigger roles.”
Gateway’s resilience and heads-up play couldn’t have been more evident in the fourth quarter as the Jaguars converted Roosevelt lateral pass, which was ruled a fumble, and a blocked punt, which produced a delayed reaction from Roosevelt into easy insurance touchdowns.
“You have to keep playing until that whistle stops,” said a smiling Dulick.
Gateway assistant Brandon Guthrie applauded Roosevelt’s early effort, while also praising his club’s counter play.
“They came out ready but we really responded in the second half,” said Guthrie.
Gateway’s final margin of victory overshadowed two superb performances by Roosevelt’s offensive standout Jordan Bailey and defensive lineman Rashad Gill. Bailey had an explosive 71-yard reception dash for a touchdown and a 44-yard catch -and run to give the offense a spark. However, the Jaguars had too much in the end.
The Jaguars continue their quest for another undefeated regular season when they play at Clayton on Friday night (Sept. 12), while Roosevelt plays at Jennings in a 1 p.m. game on Saturday (Sept. 13)
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