Jefferson opened its Class AA state title defense Friday night with a 28-0 win over Westminster in the first round of the state playoffs.

The weather forced the Dragons to run the ball 51 times, an unusual high, according to coach Ben Hall.

Tristen Jackson and Isaiah Blake led the team on the ground and in scoring. Jackson had 17 carries for 84 yards along with a rushing and a receiving touchdown. Blake added 144 yards on 24 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns on the ground for the Dragons.

Hall noted that his team played exceptionally well given the weather conditions.

“We executed at a high level in all phases of the game tonight,” Hall said. “It may have been the best game we’ve played up front in a long time.”

Jefferson (9-2) finished with 241 yards rushing and 65 passing for a total of 306 yards on offense. The team allowed 199 yards to the Wildcats, and Trent Sorrells led the defense with 12 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble.

“We played great on the defensive line,” Hall said. “It rained most of the night, so they were throwing the ball down hill and our line did a great job of stopping them.”

The Dragons will visit Heard County, the No. 1 seed from Region 5-AA, on Friday in Franklin.