Minneapolis North's Jaylon Washington (3) carries the ball down the sideline during the first half of Friday evening’s game against St. Paul Johnson. Washington rushed for two touchdowns in the Polars’ 41-0 victory over the Governors. Photo by Jeff Lawler
As Minneapolis North was coming into a new season with a young, inexperienced roster after a shortened 2020 campaign, a little rust and jitters was to be expected in the season opener.
No jitters were evident on the North sideline, however, and senior running back Jaylon Washington starred on an otherwise young Polars’ roster in a 41-0 win over St. Paul Johnson at Johnson High School.
Washington ran for 136 yards and two touchdowns in the victory. After the Governors (0-1, 0-0) fumbled on their first two offensive plays from scrimmage, Washington quickly demonstrated just how dangerous of a runner he can be, rushing for 91 yards in the first half.
When asked about Washington’s vision and performance, head coach Charles Adams III beamed from ear to ear.
“The kid is amazing, I don’t even know what to say,” Adams said of Washington. “His vision and his ability to hit those holes is unbelievable. It doesn’t hurt to have a great offensive line in front of you, too, so there’s trust between them.”
Minneapolis North's Will Smith (26) cuts back on a touchdown run against St. Paul Johnson Friday evening. Smith scored twice in the first half and the Polars defeated the Governors 41-0 in St. Paul. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
In a late afternoon matchup in east Saint Paul, Minneapolis North jumped out to an early lead and didn’t let up, beating St. Paul Johnson 41-0 on Friday.
North (1-0, 0-0) scored on three of its first four offensive possessions. On Johnson’s first play from scrimmage, Governors’ quarterback Elijah Knox could not handle the shotgun snap and the Polars’ defense recovered the fumble. Two plays later, North running back Will Smith punched it in from the 1-yard line.
It was deja vu for Johnson on its second possession as the Governors (0-1, 0-0) fumbled again in their own territory. The following play, senior running back Jaylon Washington stepped on the gas and maneuvered his way for a 32-yard touchdown.
The Polars’ offensive line was able to create rushing lanes early and often in the matchup. Washington led North with 136 yards on the ground — 91 coming in the first half — and hit paydirt twice. Receiver Rico Sanders hauled in three receptions for 60 yards, turning one into a 30-yard touchdown off a pass from sophomore Deshaun Hill.
St. Paul Johnson quarterback Elijah Knox barrels over a Minneapolis North player on a run during the first half of Friday evening’s game in St. Paul. The Governors fell to the Polars 41-0. Photo by Jeff Lawler, SportsEngine
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