The Perry Bluejay football team wrapped up its regular season last Friday with a tough loss to Creston, closing the year with an 0–9 record.  While the scoreboard often didn’t favor the Bluejays, there were bright spots on the defensive side of the ball that have head coach Josh Vannornam optimistic about the program’s direction.

The Perry defense, despite allowing an average of 46 points per game, showed marked improvement in forcing turnovers and disrupting opponents.  Vannornam, in his second year at the helm, made key adjustments to the defensive scheme — changes he believes are already paying dividends.

“Defensively, I think we made the right call in terms of switching up what we’re doing,” Vannornam said. “Especially when teams want to pass on us. I think our pass coverage is pretty solid this year.”

That improvement showed in the secondary, where sophomore Michael Bahtagic and junior Owen Zander emerged as true playmakers.  The duo combined for six interceptions — three apiece — and gave opposing quarterbacks fits throughout the season.

Senior Jacobo Cerna-Gomez anchored the defense with a team-high 52.5 tackles, while Ricky Muro added 35.5 stops and earned praise from his coach for his physical play up front.

“We got to get our D-line to play lower and more aggressive essentially,” Vannornam said. “Ricky Muro did a solid job of that.”

Coen Galivan and Gavin Leslie each recorded sacks as Perry continued to develop a more consistent pass rush — something Vannornam says will be a focus heading into the offseason.

The Bluejays may have ended winless, but they’ll enter next season with something even more valuable — a foundation of growth, grit, and belief in what’s being built in Perry.