Football: North Judson wins Starke County rivalry game
By Terry Turner Post-Tribune correspondent August 24, 2012 11:46PM
Updated: September 26, 2012 6:09AM
NORTH JUDSON — First-year Knox coach Chris McGowen returned to is former home turf at North Judson, and although the Bluejays pulled out a 20-12 win, it was a competitive game.
For the Redskins (0-2), it was a decent rebound after a disappointing loss last week against Winamac.
For the Bluejays (2-0), who played well in a victory in big game against John Glenn last week, it was a bit of a step back.
But Judson was able to deliver on several big plays, including a two-yard touchdown run by senior Wes Derflinger, who rushed 27 times for 177 yards. Receiver Mike Minix had two touchdown receptions for two and 78 yards respectively.
Knox’s Colton Hill, a senior transfer who moved to the region from Las Vegas, caught a 22-yard touchdown reception from four-year senior quarterback Nevin Miller, and Miller scored on a one-yard run.
Knox was one play — a missed wide-open pass on the outside flat that could have meant a touchdown, and bumped the Redskins to within one or two points at the half, as later, Knox’s Nevin Miller went over from the one with one second in the half to make it 14-6.
“We knew going in it was going to be a very difficult game to play,” said Bluejays coach Kevin Cox, “The familiarity between the coaching staffs definitely impacted the game. There was a constant cat-and-mouse game with alignments.”
Cox felt his defense definitely played better
“We’re trying to establish a running game,” he added.
Five fumbles hurt Judson, but it also had two interceptions, one with the game still on the line.
“Our defense settled down after they scored 14 points, and fought back for the rest of the game,” McGowen said.
