Reitz football pull away in Week 3 win against Jasper

See our best photos of Jasper against Reitz in high school football week 3

EVANSVILLE — After what initially looked like a close encounter was brewing between Jasper and Reitz, the latter pulled away and won in a blowout. Again.

It finished 56-21 at the Reitz Bowl on September 4.

For Jasper coach Derek Hart, his outlook was plain and simple.

"We got whooped," Hart said. "We talked all week about taking care of the football, and in the first drive of the game, we throw a pick. We struggled defensively, but we have to compete better than we did tonight."

This week's heat wave affected both teams' preparation for Week 3, but Hart would not use that as an excuse. His group got outplayed.

The pick Hart was referring to was a Jaxson Woodring interception early in the first quarter. It was one of two takeaways for the junior — the other being a scoop and score for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Reitz had three turnovers altogether, as E'Ani Clardy caught an interception in the third quarter.

It was the second-consecutive week for Woodring to find the end zone defensively. He said it is a result of what his defense is doing through three weeks.

"I'm doing everything I can, but it's a team sport," Woodring said. "Defense is doing everything right, we just come ready to play."

It was another challenging quarterback for the Panthers to deal with in Week 3. Jasper's Jaylen Maners is an all-state quarterback with the ability to attack defenses through the air and on the ground. He put it all together as he willed the Wildcats down the field for a touchdown before halftime.

Still, Reitz made the plays needed to halt the Wildcats on multiple possessions. Panthers coach Cory Brunson was pleased with the effort.

"(Maners) still did a lot of good things that we have to get better in stopping," Brunson said. "But it was another team effort."

The Reitz offense impressed, surpassing the 40-point mark for the third week in a row.

Amyr Wilford will get the praise (two touchdowns vs Jasper) for what he brings to the field every week, and deservedly so. He had a minor scare Friday, though, when limped off the field in the second half. He did return shortly thereafter.

His fellow sophomore, quarterback Hunter Moers, has also been effective. Moers has been an efficient operator to open the season. Few balls are hitting the ground.

Moers finished the game with 4 touchdowns. Three went to Mason Bailey, who showcased his ability to separate and run after catch. The other went to Lee Steele on a trick play in the second quarter.

From the offensive line to the skill positions, Moers said everything seems to be meshing on offense. And through three weeks as the starter for Reitz, he is feeling well acclimated to the new role.

"It's going well," Moers said. "Just continuously watching film, working hard every day in practice and making sure I'm on with my guys."

In Week 4, the Panthers head to Bundrant Stadium to face North, who emerged from its Week 3 matchup at Harrison with a 22-20 win. Although the Huskies are 1-2, it remains a tough challenge to mitigate the threat Jayden Jones and Hunter McKinney bring as a quarterback/running back duo.

"We have to work hard at practice this week," Woodring said. "Take every day serious, and every rep. We'll see how it goes."

Brunson said North should be undefeated. He expects a tough test at Bundrant.

As for Jasper, a trip to Bosse awaits in Week 4. Hart hopes for a response from the Wildcats, as was the mentality heading into their Week 2 win against Harrison.

Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_.