Backed by a strong defensive effort, the Jefferson County North Chargers found themselves in a spot to avenge a loss from last season’s opening round of the Class 2-1A playoffs Friday night on the road at Washington County.

But, the Charger offense was held to just one first down in the first half and 80 total yards in the game which resulted in a 18-0 loss to the Tigers ending their season at 8-2.

The Charger defense kept them in the game for the most part, and made the first big play of the game on the Tigers opening drive forcing a fumble which JCN recovered inside Washington County territory.

The JCN offense, however, couldn’t get anything going on the drive turning the ball over on downs without picking up one first down.

After the two teams traded possessions for most of the first quarter, the Tigers set themselves up in great field position forcing the Chargers to punt from their own end zone. Washington County was able to capitalize from there, using a 23-yard run from Jae Eaton to set up a 10-yard touchdown run from Hunter Kier giving the Tigers a 6-0 lead.

The JCN offense went three-and-out on their next possession, and the Tigers tacked on their second score of the game on a 32-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Jerrod Hoover to Jacob Latta making the score 12-0, Washington County.

JCN’s best scoring opportunity came midway through the third quarter after Brayden Summers set up the Chargers at the Washington County 35 yard line with a 20-yard punt return. But, on the first play of the drive the Chargers were hit with a holding penalty and on fourth-and-two the Tigers held JCN.

Hunter Keir tacked on the Tigers final score with his second rushing touchdown of the game this time coming on a 3-yard run and the Chargers never threatened from there.

Jae Eaton led the way for Washington County rushing for 145 yards on 21 carries, while Keir ran for 90 yards and two touchdowns.

Washington County (8-2) moves on to the sectional round of the 2-1A playoffs and hit the road for a matchup with Pittsburg-Saint Mary’s Colgan next Friday after Colgan took down Olpe Friday night 42-21.

Jefferson County North ends their season with an undefeated co-Northeast Kansas League title and a second straight 2-1A playoff berth. The Chargers send off six seniors Brysen Weishaar, Ted Sharp, Braden Schneider, Gavin Polson, AJ Stutz and Joel Abel who have all been critical parts to the resurgence of JCN football.