JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The 2018 football season will start Friday night at Ernie Gates for the Jamestown Blue Jays. They open their season the same way they did in 2017 with a match-up against Shanley.

In last year’s meeting, Shanley won a 14-7 decision on their way to another state title game appearance. This year Bill Nelson and the Jays are hoping for a different outcome, “We wanted another shot at Shanley [last year].” Jamestown fell to Watford City 6-3 in their opening round playoff game with a trip to play the Deacons on the line.

Jamestown brings back a ton of experience including all five starters on the offensive line and quarterback Tommy Falk. The defensive line and most of the secondary remains in tact. The biggest holes to fill will be at RB and LB.

Brandon Dallman will be asked to carry the ball with Jared Kallenbach expected back in Week 2. All-stater Aaron Mack returns to the LB corps.

A win in week 1 would certainly set Jamestown up on the inside track for a top-two seed in the playoffs. Class AA has been dominated by St. Mary’s and Shanley who met in another title game last November, so to get a win over one of them to open the season would be huge.

Kick-off tonight is scheduled for 7pm. You can listen to the game on ESPN Jamestown.