By Jim Flick

sports@vindy.com

BOARDMAN

The Massillon Jackson High football team struck first and struck last in defeating Boardman, 38-20, on Friday night.

“We played hard, but we didn’t execute,” Boardman coach Nick D’Eramo said. “We just didn’t make enough plays to win a football game, and they did.”

Quarterback John Babos echoed his coach.

“We came out and had everything planned, but we didn’t execute,” Babos said.

Babos executed most of the Spartans’ offense, rushing for 212 yards on 26 carries. The senior also completed nine of 16 passes for 120 yards. He rushed for two touchdowns and passed for his team’s other score.

Jackson (4-4, 1-3 Federal League) outgained Boardman (4-4, 2-2), 439 yards to 348.

The game’s offensive leader was Jackson quarterback Tyler Langenfeld, who completed 19 of 31 passes for 252 yards, including a touchdown pass. The junior also carried the ball seven times and gained 25 yards.

The other important offensive weapon for the Polar Bears was senior running back Charlie Dear, who gained 149 yards on 24 carries and scored three touchdowns.

Langenfeld’s passing dominated the first half, while Dear took over and ran the ball effectively in the second half.

Jackson’s offense got off to a quick start, building a 21-0 lead early in the second quarter.

Jackson scored the game’s first touchdown when senior Nate Locke caught a 5-yard pass from Langenfeld with 3:55 on the clock in the first quarter.

A few minutes later, the Polar Bears blocked a Boardman punt. Sophomore Ricky Spradling recovered the ball on the 10-yard line and carried the ball into the end zone.

In the second quarter, Dear scored on a 6-yard run for a 21-0 lead.

The Spartans scored twicein the second quarter to keep it close. The first touchdown came when Babos found junior Turel Thompson for a 31-yard touchdown pass. Babos scored Boardman’s second touchdown on a 17-yard run.

Jake Costin kicked a 32-yard field goal for Jackson with 17 seconds remaining in the first half, giving the Polar Bears a 24-13 lead.

Boardman cut the gap to 24-20 when Babos scored on a 31-yard run.

But in the fourth quarter, Jackson scored the game’s final two touchdowns, both on short runs by Dear.

“We’re not done,” Babos said. “Next week, we play for pride.”