BISMARCK - Jamestown left the field at halftime with the lead for a second week in a row. This time, however, the Blue Jays wouldn’t relinquish it. Jamestown’s defense put togther its finest performance of the season, holding St. Mary's to just a safety in a 7-2 victory on Oct. 22 at Our Lady of Victory Field. The win clinched a playoff spot for the 'Jays. The Saints' slim playoff chances will rest in the score of the Devils Lake-Watford City game on Oct. 23.

With much at stake heading into the regular season finale, it had a playoff-like feel, despite temperatures at game time more like a summer evening in the low 70s.

Jamestown would gets its lone touchdown midway through the first quarter. Quarterback Brady Nenow found wideout Edison Walters on a fade route in the corner of the end zone. The big receiver as able to turn the defensive back around and catch the two-yard pass.

The Blue Jays had an opportunity in the final seconds of the first half to extend the lead. The Saints' defense forced a field goal attempt, and the kick sailed wide with one second remaining.

St. Mary's, offense, meanwhile struggled to move the ball against the Jamestown defensive linemen that were hard to contain. SM's biggest run came from senior Beckett Price in the third quarter. His 43-yard scamper down the sideline put SM across midfield. Unfortunately, the drive stalled.

The Saints' defensive play was impressive, especially in the second half. It forced Jamestown to turn the ball over on downs inside the two-yard line.

St. Mary's only trip inside the 20-yard line came late in the fourth quarter. Jake Miller caught a nifty 42-yard pass play from Patrick Richter. Miller did a double move and the pass by Richter was on the money. A steady dose of runs by Price positioned the Saints' inside the 10-yard line. However, Jamestown would get the stop of the game, holding QB Richter a yard short of the goal line on 4th down and goal from the two. But the SM defense again responded, tackling Blue Jays running back Aiden Skari in the end zone for a safety on the very next play.

Jamestown's free kick after the safety enabled St. Mary's to have the ball with about 2:30 to play, trailing 7-2. However, the Blue Jays again forced a turnover on downs. Just when it appeared the game was just a few run plays from ending. Jamestown was forced to punt the ball and give St. Mary's one more chance. However, there would be no drama. Jamison Kleinjan's interception on second and 10 assured that. The Blue Jays 3-6 overall/2-3 West) will learn of their playoff opponent following East Region games on Oct 23. SM (4-5 overall/2-3 West) will need a Watford City win by a sizable margin over Devils Lake to make the postseason.