Jets shut down Benjamin Russell

James Clemens, which opens the 2016 season Aug. 26 at Gardendale, didn’t allow a first down in two quarters of varsity action against Benjamin Russell at Jacksonville’s State Gridiron Challenge spring jamboree Friday. CONTRIBUTED

By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record

JACKSONVILLE – James Clemens played four quarters of football Friday against Benjamin Russell in the Gridiron Challenge and allowed just six points.

Those came in a 14-6 win by the Jets’ younger players in two quarters. The varsity pitched a 9-0 shutout – James Clemens missed an extra point – and didn’t allow a first down over another two quarters.

That last stat should come as a surprise to no one. At least five players on that side of the ball have received scholarship offers led by fur-star prospect Labryan Ray at defensive end, Monty Rice at linebacker and Kyriq McDonald in the secondary.

Defense looks to be the Jets’ specialty in 2016 and it was on full display against the Wildcats at Jacksonville State University.

“We played well,’’ James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop said. “Both groups defenses played well.’’

A fumbled led to Benjamin Russell’s score in the opening half.

In the final half, the Wildcats were stonewalled in five possessions.

Meanwhile, the Jets offense didn’t have a turnover and was in scoring position when the half ended.

Senior quarterback Joseph Arias threw a touchdown pass to Immanuel Wilder. Brody Droppleman kicked a field goal.

Arias started the final four games of 2015 after Heath Burchfield, who had started all games since the program’s inception in 2012, was injured. He’s battling senior Jackson Nowlin and sophomore transfer Jamil Muhammad to be the starter when the Jets open the season Aug. 26 at Gardendale.