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Mark McKenzie(NewsDakota.com)…It was an ugly start to the 2011 Blue Jay football season Friday night at Gates Field, as Devils Lake blasted Jamestown 49-8.

Jamestown turned the ball over four times, and the Firebirds converted those mistakes into four touchdowns. Junior QB Nathan Mertens had an impressive game with three touchdown passes, and two touchdown runs. Devils Lake built a 28-0 halftime lead, and came with-in 60 seconds of a shutout. The Jays got on the board with a minute to go when Senior Fullback Brett Mayher bolted in from two yards out. Senior QB Brady Anderson converted a two point conversion on a three yard run.

Firebird’s Tailback Austin Nelson ran wild on the Jay’s defense with 22 carries for 155 yards. Devils Lake ran 50 plays for 343 yards, Jamestown ended up with 125 yards of offense on 35 plays. “We have somethings to work out.” said assistant coach Tim Fletcher, “Their front seven beat our front seven. I give them credit.”

Jamestown will hit the road next Friday with a trip to Grand Forks to battle Red River. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m., with the broadcast on AM 1400 KQDJ and newsdakota.com with Mark McKenzie and Cory Anderson.