The Jena Giants bounced back in a big way last Friday night, delivering a dominant 52-6 victory over the Winnfield Tigers in the 64th meeting between the two programs in a game that has become known as The 84 War.
Separated by just 50 miles along US Highway 84, this thrilling matchup has delivered exciting games for many years, but in recent years the Giants have won the war, and they continued their streak last Friday.
Jena came into the matchup at 2-1, looking to get back into the win column after suffering its first loss of the season the previous week. Winnfield arrived undefeated at 3-0, having reached that mark for the first time since 2021 and looking for a program-changing victory.
Instead, the Giants controlled the game from the opening kickoff, building a commanding 46-0 halftime lead and scoring on all seven of their offensive possessions.
The victory moved Jena to 3-1 on the season, while Winnfield fell to 3-1.
Junior running back Kaeden Kittlin continued his remarkable start to the season, rushing for more than 100 yards for the fourth consecutive game.
Kittlin finished with 12 carries for 116 yards and three touchdowns, finding the end zone on runs of 8, 1 and 25 yards.
His performance once again showcased the Giants’ ability to control the game on the ground while putting consistent pressure on opposing defenses.
Jena’s offense was also effective through the air, with junior quarterback Jonas Jenkins delivering an impressive performance in limited opportunities.
Jenkins completed both of his pass attempts for 94 yards and two touchdowns, including a spectacular 78-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Nolan Williams.
The connection between Jenkins and Williams provided one of the night’s biggest offensive highlights, as Jenkins displayed excellent touch on the deep scoring strike.
Jenkins also contributed on the ground, finishing with two carries for 20 rushing yards, and added a two-point conversion through a pass and a run.
With Kittlin leading the rushing attack and Jenkins making the most of his opportunities in the passing game, the Giants’ offense was productive throughout the night.
While the offense piled up points, Jena’s defense made sure Winnfield never found its footing.
Junior linebackers Hayden Deville and Carter Nichols each recorded six tackles, with Nichols also adding a sack.
Sophomore middle linebacker Cannon Joy, filling in for injured starter Kayson Dean, stepped into the lineup and delivered a strong performance with seven tackles.
The Giants defense held Winnfield to only 118 total yards and 6 first downs in the game.
The defensive effort helped the Giants maintain control throughout the contest and limit a Winnfield team that had entered the game undefeated.
Following the victory, Jena head coach Jay Roark expressed pride in his team’s focus and execution, particularly as the Giants built a large lead early in the game.
The commanding first-half performance allowed younger players to get valuable playing time in the second half, giving the coaching staff an opportunity to develop depth while protecting the team’s lead.
Roark also looked ahead to the Giants’ next challenge, noting that the upcoming matchup at Tioga would provide a good test for his team.
Jena has lost its last two meetings with the Indians, making Thursday night’s contest an opportunity for the Giants to reverse that recent trend.
Jena will travel to Tioga on Thursday for a 7 p.m. kickoff against the Indians.
Both teams enter the matchup with identical 3-1 records, setting up another important test as the season moves toward the heart of district play.
The Giants will look to carry the momentum from their dominant victory over Winnfield into a challenging road environment against a Tioga team that has beaten them in each of their last two meetings.
The Giants look to build on their offensive rhythm, defensive consistency and growing confidence as they head into another key week of the season.
For fans unable to make the trip, the game will be streamed live on the Jena Giant Network at www.jenagiantnetwork.com.
