Cuba High School’s football team ran into a tough Jefferson Blue Jays squad Friday night in Festus and lost 27-0 to fall to 2-2 on the season. Jefferson advanced to 2-2 on the season with the win and have won two in a row after dropping their first two games of the season to Windsor (Imperial) and Central (Park Hills).

After Cuba’s Sept. 11 victory over Grandview, head coach Kaleb Cason said that Jefferson would be one of their biggest tests of the season.

“Jefferson’s always full of athletes all the way across the board,” Cason said. “I don’t think it’d be a stretch to say that they’re going to be the best team we face this year so far.”

He was right, as Jefferson held Cuba’s prolific running attack in check. The Wildcats, who had been averaging over 300 rushing yards in its first three games, were limited to just 33 rushing yards by the Blue Jays. Cuba was also without running back Carter Medows, who missed the game due to another commitment.

Jefferson went up early and led 20-0 at halftime. The Wildcats were able to keep Jefferson’s offense in check, holding the Jays to just seven second half points.

Despite the loss, Cuba’s defense was in the backfield often, notching nine tackles for loss and two sacks.

Junior linebacker Kadin Brooks played his best game of the season so far, tallying a team-high nine tackles along with two tackles for loss.

Steelville senior defensive lineman Max Harmon had six tackles, a tackle for loss and his first career sack, playing in his first season of high school football. Junior defensive tackle Luke Whittaker also had a sack along with five tackles and a tackle for loss.

Ethan Noltkamper had eight tackles and two tackles for loss. Will Bailey recorded seven tackles and two tackles for loss. Damion Ferguson had six tackles. Cole Keleman and Jesse Shireman each chipped in five tackles. Trey Gambill made two tackles to round out Cuba’s defensive production.

Jefferson clearly scouted Noltkamper on offense, holding the speedy senior to negative 12 yards rushing on six carries following his 137 yard rushing performance against Grandview. Nicholas Gipson ran for 23 yards on 10 carries. Ripken Halbert and AJ Flores each ran for six yards. Bailey carried the ball three times for eight yards.

Senior quarterback Jesse Shireman completed two of his seven pass attempts for 31 yards. Flores had an 18 yard reception and Noltkamper caught a pass for 13 yards.

Cuba will return home to host a 1-3 Herculaneum team at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25 at Wildcat Pride Field in its next match up. Wildcat Pride Night will take place before the game from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and a bake sale will be held there to benefit Cuba football player Zane Brown and his family. The Wildcats will then host Pleasant Hope Oct. 2 for its homecoming game. Homecoming coronation is expected to take place prior to kickoff.