Fans watch for first time, but Billies lose to Junction City

Despite playing the first time before a home crowd of spectators this season and with the support of the band, the Pleasant Hill varsity football team lost Friday night to Junction City, 27-7.

Turnovers and penalties hurt the Billies, whose defense did well against the run but had trouble against the pass.

Within a span of less than two minutes near the end of the first quarter, three touchdowns were scored.

The first came when Junction City connected on a pass play to make it 7-0.  Next, Matt Dutton, who was starting in place for injured Max Smith, was deep in the red zone on Junction City’s 15-yard line, when he threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown, putting Junction City up 14-0.

The only Pleasant Hill touchdown came on a 30-yard pass from Dutton to senior receiver Jayden Casarez.  He caught the pass near the sideline, which appeared to be nearly an interception, but Casarez battled for the football and ran 35 yards for a touchdown.

Smith, who was injured in last week’s game with Amity, is expected to start at quarterback when the Billies host Harrisburg at 7 p.m. Friday, March 26.

It will be senior night with limited festivities to honor seniors and will be celebrated as homecoming with limited activities with a couple of floats.

The Pleasant Hill junior varsity will host the Sheldon Irish freshman team starting at 5 p.m. Monday, March 22.