Photo by Kristin Mazgaj Union Local’s Dylan Higgenbotham carries the ball while a Columbus defender tries to take him down.

MORRISTOWN — Optimism abounds with Union Local football this fall.

The Jets did nothing to dampen those lofty aspirations Friday night as they took flight in their season debut with a 38-9 bombing of the Columbus Crusaders.

Head coach Bernie Thompson unleashed a potent ground attack along with a suffocating defense in downing the athletic and talented visitors.

All was not positive for Thompson’s troops, however, as senior running standout Hayden McCrate left the game early in the first quarter with a lower-body injury. Moreover, the Jets were flagged 13 times for 115 yards.

Jaksan Price, who missed much of last season due to injury, made his presence felt early and often in fueling the Jets’ attack.

The 206-pound senior was nothing short of sensational against the Crusaders, carrying 16 times for 197 yards and four touchdowns in three quarters of work.

While Price was right offensively, the Union Local defense was simply stifling. The Jets yielded just 51 yards on the ground and 28 via the air. The visitors completed just 3-of-27 tosses.

“Anytime you play as sloppy as we did and make the mistakes we made and still win by nearly 30 points it is a good night. We got some things to clean up and we will,” Thompson said. “Our goal is to just win, be it by one or by 70.

“Hayden should be OK. I don’t think it is real serious,” added the former Jet receiving great. “It’s ironic. Last year Jaksan got hurt and Hayden took over. Tonight the roles were reversed. Jackson had a great night.”

Union Local finished with 255 rushing yards and 63 more passing stripes.

“I was really happy with our offensive line. They were very efficient,” Thompson noted. “Defensively, we did a lot of good things. We didn’t give up many yards.”

Union Local wasted no time reaching the end zone. Taking possession of the opening kickoff at midfield, Price broke loose on a 33-yard scamper, setting up his first TD of the night from 12 yards out. The PAT kick failed.

The Jets’ defense set up the next score later in the opening quarter. Senior Ethan Blinko pilfered a Crusader pass and returned it 70 yards to the Columbus one. Quarterback Carter Blake carried it in from the one for the six points. Blinco’s boot made it a 13-0 reading.

The Crusaders tallied their lone points of the half via a 29-yard field goal from Marcos Stoner.

Union Local owned the second half.

The Jets needed just two plays on their initial possession after intermission to reach paydirt again. Setting up shop at the Crusader 48, Price ripped off a 13-yard gainer before racing 39 yards for another touchdown. The PAT was blocked, leaving Union Local up, 19-3.

The Crusaders narrowed the gap to 19-9 on a Jack South to Daniel Pacheco pass connection from eight yards out.

The hosts dominated the balance of the contest.

Price scored from seven yards out to make it 25-7 before the run for the bonus points came up short. Price capped his brilliant night on the strength of a 47-yard scoring romp in the waning moments of the third quarter. Blinco’s PAT made it a 32-9 reading.

Union Local closed the scoring on a 26-yard pass hookup from sophomore Isaiah Tomolonis to frosh Colby Carpenter.

Blake finished the night completing four-of-13 throws for 37 yards.

Union Local will attempt to make it two wins in as many starts when Buckeye Local comes calling Friday night. The Panthers fell to Barnesville in their opener.

“We know what Buckeye Local is all about,” Thompson said. “Coach (Jim) Hoover is a big weight room guy. So we know Buckeye will be big and physical.”