Sports
Jacks shutout by Panthers at home
Tyler Ohmann
10/09/2012
The Jacks defense played one of their strongest games of the season last Saturday as they allowed their second-lowest point total of the season in a 33-0 loss to a tough Ellsworth Community College team at Les Christian Field.
“As far as I’m concerned, the defense always steps it up when we have to,” said Jacks safety Keanu Soto. “Our defense as a unit are really resilient, and we have a lot of people that have a lot of heart.”
“Back where I’m from in Miami we call it having a dog in you, so we all got dogs,” Soto added.
Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) were still searching for their first win of the season as they hosted the Panthers, who are in the Iowa Community College Conference with North Dakota State College of Science and Iowa Central, who the Jacks lost to previously this season.
Soto pointed out that the Jacks defense has been strong in the first half all season, while the offense has struggled to put the ball in the end zone.
“The offense needs to find their stride, find their identity,” Soto said. “We’ve given up something like 50 points in the first half, in five games, so we’re giving the offense an opportunity, and they just need to capitalize.”
“Once they find their identity like we did early in the year, we’ll be all right, it’s unfortunate we only have three games,” Soto added.
The offense isn’t helped by a hobbled Jonathan Parks. The Jacks starting quarterback has been in and out of every game, as he tries to play with an injured ankle. Last Saturday against Ellsworth was no exception as backup Alex Munoz came in several times while Parks was looked at.
Soto snagged an interception in the game, got another near-pick and returned a punt more than 80 yards for a touchdown (which was called back due to penalty).
“I didn’t sleep at all last night, so that I’m out playing football is a dream in itself,” Soto said. “I was up last night thinking of how I could make a play, so I saw that as my opportunity, and I took advantage.”
“At this point we’re going to have to make our defense our offense, that’s about it,” Soto added.
Soto said he is blessed to just be on the field, and relishes any opportunity that he gets to go out and play his safety position.
“We’re all here to get our grades and get our education, but we’re also here to play football, so anytime we can step on the field and have opportunities to make plays, we’re always excited, win or lose,” Soto said.
The Jacks host Trinity Bible College at noon next Saturday for the homecoming game. DCB will still be searching for their first win as they sit at 0-5 this season. The Lions are 2-4 on the season.