It was an inspired showing for the Mineola Yellowjackets, as they recorded a 37-14 win over the North Lamar Panthers Friday at Meredith Memorial Stadium.

The team didn’t have to look far for a source of that inspiration. The Yellowjacket backfield was overflowing with inspiration last Friday.  

Kipton Neighbors is looking more and more at home running the ball out of the shotgun, finding the slightest of creases and exploiting them with great decision-making and explosive running. Halfback Braelyn Geremonte is carrying the ball with nothing short of reckless abandon. 

That is not all at offer from the Mineola backfield. Aidan Shepherd, a combination of speed and strength, is slashing thorough defenses on his jet-sweep, while Jabari Jones is contributing with solid fundamentals and a great sense for the open field. Carson Sullivan is making timely contributions gaining the edge. 

Last Friday, the Jackets backfield wore out the North Lamar tacklers. There were no easy tackles for the visiting Panthers. 

Mineola rolled up 409 yards of offense, most of it on the ground. 

The Jackets scored on three drives (80, 75 and 44 yards) in the first half and took a 21-8 lead into halftime. 

The first half highlights included a 46-yard highlight-reel run by Neighbors on the Jackets’ second scoring drive. On Mineola’s third scoring drive, Neighbors ran over the opposing safety to blast into the end zone from six yards out. 

Inspired defensive play also featured. Mineola forced three turnovers and a punt in the six North Lamar possessions of the opening half.

The defensive work continued in the second half. The Jackets defense gave up only 142 yards in the second half, limiting the Panthers to a sole score in the closing seconds. 

Defensive stand-outs for the Jackets included Eduardo Guerra, Jose Silva, Kolten Garrigus, Ayden Phillips, Gabriel Thompson, Eddrick Irving, Landon McClung and Aidan Steward. It was a total team effort.  

Perhaps the most telling aspect of the win was the 17 first downs gained by the Mineola offense. The offensive unit is beginning to jell just in time for the district opener. It foretells good things for the Yellowjackets. 

Mineola travels to Mt. Vernon on Friday for that first district match-up of the 2025 campaign.