the Douglas High School football team gathers into a huddle after beating Argoaut, 40-0, to open the 2023 fall season.
Douglas High School football did not hesitate to showcase what it’s been working on this offseason, dominating Argonaut (CA), 40-0, Friday night.
The Tigers, who traveled roughly two hours South to Jackson, California, scored on their first four possessions of the opening half.
The first time Douglas punted, the Tigers led 27-0.
“It’s different this year. Last year, … the offense couldn’t really find its rhythm,” said Douglas head coach Kyle Mays. “We have a lot of stuff to clean up, but with the numbers and the physicality tonight, I think we are setting ourselves up for success.”
Jackson continues to dominate
Last season, Connor Jackson was a second team all-region player at running back.
He’s quickly started his case for a first team spot after running all over Argonaut.
The first three Tiger drives ended in touchdowns; all three of which were Jackson rushing scores coming in the opening quarter.
His first came on Douglas’ first offensive play from scrimmage, bolting 29 yards for a score.
After the Tiger defense forced a three-and-out, Jackson decided one touch was just fine.
He scampered 39 yards for six, giving Douglas a 14-0 lead.
Another defensive stop gave the offense quality field position and Jackson another chance to carry the rock.
On his second touch of the drive, he took off for a 33-yard score.
Jackson ended the night with four total touchdowns, punching in his final touchdown with 5:01 left in the third quarter, giving Douglas a 33-0 advantage.
“I can’t say enough about the kid. He works his tail off and it showed tonight,” said Mays of Jackson. “All the hard work he put in in track and in the weight room. He is explosive and he’s going to be a huge playmaker for us this year.”
Trace Estes popped in his first game back at wide receiver after picking up an honorable mention all-region nod last season as a junior.
He kicked off his senior campaign with two touchdown grabs, coming on 44- and 10-yard receptions.
The first grab came in the second quarter when Estes swiped a ball from defenders on a third-and-goal at the 10-yard line for a score.
“It was probably a bad play call on my part and he went out and made the play. He just out-jumped everybody,” said Mays.
On a 4th-and-7, early in the fourth quarter, Estes broke away from defenders and went 44 yards for his second touchdown of the evening.
Jackson was downfield as his final blocker, as well.
“He sealed the deal on that touchdown,” said Mays.
Kyle Koontz also tallied several receptions on the night.
Offensive lineman Trevor Shaver also caught some praise from his head coach to kick off his senior season.
“Koontz played exceptional. At the line of scrimmage, I would say a big one was Trevor Shaver in the trenches,” Mays said.
Tiger defense posts a shutout
Douglas’ defense allowed one first down until the Mustangs’ final drive of the first half.
By that point, the Tigers had built a 27-0 lead and were continuing to dominate the line of scrimmage.
The Tigers’ started three of their first four drives in opponents’ territory thanks to the defensive front seven.
“We always talk about the defensive line and resetting the line of scrimmage and pushing that line back,” said Mays. “The defensive front did what they’ve been prepping to do all year and they flew to the ball. That Argonaut team is physical and our kids matched that physicality.”
UP NEXT – Douglas (1-0) will host Elko (0-0) Friday, August 25 in Minden. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Area scores
Galena 24, Spring Creek 0
Damonte Ranch 51, Hug 0
Reed 23, Fallon 16
Christian Brothers (CA) 27, Reno 6
Grant (CA) 52, McQueen 12
Bishop (CA) 7, Fernley 0
Oak Ridge 55, Spanish Springs 14
Bishop Manogue at Las Vegas; cancelled, weather
Carson at Sutter (CA), Saturday at 7 p.m.