Keyshawn Robinson (2) turns the corner on a punt return, in Jefferson High School’s home game against Sherando High School on Friday night. David Pennock

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Sherando High School could have given out a handful of game balls to the individuals who had the major roles in its whirlwind 42-23 win over homestanding Jefferson High School last Friday.

Mercurial AJ Santiago, a wee mite of a player at 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds, scored three touchdowns and totaled five pass receptions for 80 yards.

Jacob Manuel was like Fagin in the Dickens’ tale, “Oliver Twist,” with his thievery in the form of four turnover takeaways.

Gavyn Blye rushed 19 times for 129 yards and two scores.

Jason Foster had 20 carries for 88 yards. And quarterback Micah Carlson completed 10-of-15 passes for 146 yards and three more scores.

Jefferson High School’s Spencer Powell (23) fights for the ball on a completed pass, during Friday night’s home game against Sherando High School. David Pennock

Neither team nor bleachers-full of noisy watchers could take a deep breath and try to recap the on-field action, as Jefferson produced 399 yards of total offense and the visiting Warriors spit out 388 yards of offense.

Yardage and touchdowns were achieved hand-over-foot, but it was the five Jefferson turnovers that proved to be the difference.

Jefferson never led.

Yet Sherando never seemed to be safe, even once holding a 28-8 lead that seemed tenuous because of Jefferson’s ability to ring up yardage.

Once, Sherando went 98 yards on an extended drive that took 12 plays. Once, Jefferson brought a roar from its partisans with Keyshawn Robinson’s 95-yard kickoff-return score.

Jefferson High School freshman running back Tay’Shaun Roper (6) cuts to avoid the Sherando High School defender, in Friday night’s home game. David Pennock

Robinson’s return of the second-half kickoff brought Jefferson within 28-15, but then the Warriors scored the game’s next two touchdowns to improve their lead to 42-15.

So full of meaningful plays were the unbeaten Warriors, that they even recovered their own onside kick that denied Jefferson still another try for needed points.

As the game quickly went from one offensive journey to another, it became evident Sherando could move and score with both its stable of runners or its passing game, while Jefferson could only survive if it kept hitting long gainers with its pass offense. The Cougars managed 129 rushing yards on 29 tries, but had 270 yards through the air, where Quinton Goins completed 10 passes, but also suffered three interceptions.

Spencer Powell led the Cougars with his constant presence and seven receptions for 114 yards.

Both teams have playoff aspirations. And both teams have justifiable reasons for believing their seasons will extend beyond 10 games and reach deep into November.