Spring sports are underway across the state. We will update the site with scores and news and soon as we can. Be sure to send us any information you feel we are missing so that your school has all the coverage it deserves. We can only do so much, so any information you guys send us is well appreciated. We look forward to hearing from you and updating your school's information.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sandy Creek Ends Season with Even More Awards
At any level, this year's season would be considered a success. A perfect 15-0 record, Region Champions and State Champions are all achievements sought after by teams across the country. The Sandy Creek Patriots were able to capture all three this year. They can also add back to back Region Champs and State Champs to the list, though last year's championships came from a different Region and State classifications. Last year, Sandy Creek lost the opening game of the season, but went on the win out, going 14-1 to win the GHSA AAAA State Championship. This year, The Patriots dropped to AAA and pushed that win streak to 29 straight wins.Winning all of their games is indeed the mark of success, but the Patriots went to the next level, dominating their opponents along the way. For the season, Sandy Creek scored 542 points while only allowing 134. That's an average victory of 36.1 to 8.9. On the field, the offensive and defensive squads competed to see who was more dominant. The Patriots offense moved the ball for 5,367 yards while the defense only allowed 3,120. The offense was led by running back Derrick Alexander (1,217 rushing yards), quarter back Ronnie Bell (2,426 passing yards) and wide reciever Alex Chisum (1,427 recieving yards). The defense was led by Jamal Ware (111.5 tackles), Xavier Chisum (85 tackles) and Mike Hilton (60.5 tackles).
Numbers like these make it appear that Sandy Creek is one of the elite teams in Georgia High School football. Many would agree with that comment, and with voting completed on the AAA All-State Teams, the Patriots keep on winning. Coach Chip Walker leads the list of awards, being named the Associated Press Class AAA Coach of the year. Wide receiver Alex Chisum, was named offensive player of the year by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The AJC and AP vote together to decide the All-State teams, and several Patriots were named. First-team offensive players include, Ronnie Bell, Alex Chisum, Will Adams and Mitchell McMillin. First-team defensive players include, Jamal Ware, Bruce Dukes and Mike Hilton. Gavin Rocker received a defensive honorable mention. Coach Chip Walker received another interesting award with his back to back State Championships. Coach Walker joined his father Rodney Walker (Head Coach at Mary Persons), to become the only Father & Son combination to both win a Georgia High School State Championship as Head Coach.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Devils Tame the Jaguars - Remain Perfect
One of the most sought after feats in the sports world is the perfect season. Jackson has now achieved this feat two years in a row and for the second year in a row it fell to the Spalding Jaguars to try to spoil it.
After winning the toss, the Jaguars decided to kick off and put the Jackson offense to the test. With senior running back resting a sore ankle, it fell to Cody Walker to take on the rushing duties. Walker didn’t wait long to strike, leading the Devils 80 yards down field for the touchdown and the Jackson led 7-0.
Following the Kyle Staples kickoff, the Jaguars struck just as quick with their first offensive drive. Led through the air and on the ground by quarterback Casey Moody, Spalding was on the score board.
With less than five minutes off the clock, the night was looking to be a shootout. Instead, the remainder of the first half became a defensive battle. With just over two minutes left in the half, Jackson’s offense struck. A 62 yard drive was capped off by Akiir Griffin’s 5 yard push at the goal line and the Devils took a 14-7 lead into the locker room for halftime.
The second half started with fireworks as Neiron Ball made his presence known. Following the Staples kick, Spalding’s offense was set to strike, but it was not to be. The first play from scrimmage was fumbled and recovered by Ball at the Jaguars’ 28 yard line. Quarterback Matt Cawthon then connected with Ball for the touchdown on the Devils’ first play from scrimmage and Jackson was up 21-7.
After receiving the kickoff, the Jaguars offense was set to reset and start the second half in a positive way. On the first play of their second drive, Moody’s pass was intercepted by Josh Berry at the Spalding 31 yard line. After a few stalls, the Jackson offense pulled a trick out of its bag. Tight end Chris Head received a toss from quarterback Matt Cawthon and instead of running, dropped back to pass. The pass was completed to Jarrett Watts for the touchdown, and Jackson led 28-7.
The game again became a defensive battle as Spalding refused to go down anymore, and Jackson refused to give up its lead. After nearly ten minutes, Spalding’s kicker, Will Jeffcoat, was able to connect on a 31 yard field goal to cut the lead to 28-10 at the end of the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter rolled on, the Jaguar’s defense finally found a break, recovering a Jackson fumble at the Devils’ 31 yard line. Striking quickly, Moody found his receiver in the end zone and the Jaguars cut into Jackson’s lead. Jeffcoat’s kick was blocked by Austin Kimbell, and Jackson’s lead remained 28-16.
The Jaguars attempted an onside kick, but were penalized for touching the ball before it went ten yards and Jackson took over at the Spalding 49 yard line. The Devils put the ball back in Cody Walker’s hands to keep the clock moving, but it was fullback Dusty Parris who broke a 25 yard run that put the game out of reach for the Devils.
After the kickoff, the Jaguars drove down to the nine yard line, but were stopped on fourth down and the Devils were able to take a knee and move to 10-0.
The Devils will face the number four team out of Region 1AAA this Friday at Red Devil Hill. The Monroe Tornadoes are 7-3 overall (4-3 in region play).
After winning the toss, the Jaguars decided to kick off and put the Jackson offense to the test. With senior running back resting a sore ankle, it fell to Cody Walker to take on the rushing duties. Walker didn’t wait long to strike, leading the Devils 80 yards down field for the touchdown and the Jackson led 7-0.
Following the Kyle Staples kickoff, the Jaguars struck just as quick with their first offensive drive. Led through the air and on the ground by quarterback Casey Moody, Spalding was on the score board.
With less than five minutes off the clock, the night was looking to be a shootout. Instead, the remainder of the first half became a defensive battle. With just over two minutes left in the half, Jackson’s offense struck. A 62 yard drive was capped off by Akiir Griffin’s 5 yard push at the goal line and the Devils took a 14-7 lead into the locker room for halftime.
The second half started with fireworks as Neiron Ball made his presence known. Following the Staples kick, Spalding’s offense was set to strike, but it was not to be. The first play from scrimmage was fumbled and recovered by Ball at the Jaguars’ 28 yard line. Quarterback Matt Cawthon then connected with Ball for the touchdown on the Devils’ first play from scrimmage and Jackson was up 21-7.
After receiving the kickoff, the Jaguars offense was set to reset and start the second half in a positive way. On the first play of their second drive, Moody’s pass was intercepted by Josh Berry at the Spalding 31 yard line. After a few stalls, the Jackson offense pulled a trick out of its bag. Tight end Chris Head received a toss from quarterback Matt Cawthon and instead of running, dropped back to pass. The pass was completed to Jarrett Watts for the touchdown, and Jackson led 28-7.
The game again became a defensive battle as Spalding refused to go down anymore, and Jackson refused to give up its lead. After nearly ten minutes, Spalding’s kicker, Will Jeffcoat, was able to connect on a 31 yard field goal to cut the lead to 28-10 at the end of the third quarter.
As the fourth quarter rolled on, the Jaguar’s defense finally found a break, recovering a Jackson fumble at the Devils’ 31 yard line. Striking quickly, Moody found his receiver in the end zone and the Jaguars cut into Jackson’s lead. Jeffcoat’s kick was blocked by Austin Kimbell, and Jackson’s lead remained 28-16.
The Jaguars attempted an onside kick, but were penalized for touching the ball before it went ten yards and Jackson took over at the Spalding 49 yard line. The Devils put the ball back in Cody Walker’s hands to keep the clock moving, but it was fullback Dusty Parris who broke a 25 yard run that put the game out of reach for the Devils.
After the kickoff, the Jaguars drove down to the nine yard line, but were stopped on fourth down and the Devils were able to take a knee and move to 10-0.
The Devils will face the number four team out of Region 1AAA this Friday at Red Devil Hill. The Monroe Tornadoes are 7-3 overall (4-3 in region play).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Devils Ground the Eagles
On the coldest, wettest night of the year so far, the Jackson Red Devils traveled north to face region opponent Eagles Landing. Prior to the game, field conditions were less than desired. With temperatures barely in the 50s and the field saturated from the week’s rain, two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum prepared for battle. Jackson looked to continue their winning streak and Eagles Landing looked for their first win of the season.
The Golden Eagles were the first to take the field, but their first offensive stand was to be brief. After three plays and two yards the Jackson defense held and forced a punt. The Devils were now in position to strike, taking over on their own 49 yard line.
The Devils decided to take their time, not risking much in these wet, cold conditions. This proved to be a wise choice as the first two plays for the Jackson resulted in a fumble. The first was recovered by running back Quint McKibben. The second, was recovered by offensive lineman, William Beck. Junior fullback Dusty Parris then carried the ball for a Red Devil first down and the offense’s rhythm was established. Fighting downfield 51 yards in just over eight minutes, it was again Parris that rumbled into the end zone, and Jackson was on the scoreboard and seemed to have a plan to control the game.
Eagles Landing second drive was much like the first, as the Devil defense forced a punt. Jackson seemed to moving down the field safely when the weather conditions finally caught up with the Devils’ offense. The Quint McKibben fumble was recovered by Eagles Landing at their own 24 yard line.
Again the Jackson defense stood firm and forced a punt, but again the weather was Jackson’s biggest hurdle. A second fumble recovery by the Eagles placed them in great field position, taking over at the Jackson 41. This time, the Devils’ defense didn’t want to wait for a punt as Austin Kimbell came down with an interception, and the offense took over again at their own 20 yard line.
With conditions deteriorating, both offenses were unable to have much more success, exchanging punts and being as cautious with the football as possible. As the first half came to a close, Jackson led 7-0.
Jackson’s offense took the field following a 54 yard kick return by Cody Walker, at the Eagles Landing 28 yard line. Following a scramble by quarterback Matt Hayes, the Devils’ lead was increased to 14-0.
It was the Golden Eagles who struck next. After recovering the third lost fumble of the game for the Devils at their own 37 yard line, Eagles Landing drove down the field for the touchdown, but were unsuccessful on the point after and the Devils led 14-6.
Following an on-side kick, the Jackson offense returned to form as quarterback Matt Cawthon was able to connect with Carltez Scott, capping off a 53 yard drive and extended their lead to 21-6.
The Jackson defense was again able to force an Eagles Landing punt, allowing the offense to take over at the Eagles’ 36 yard line. As the Devils drove down the field, it was Quint McKibben with a 17 yard touchdown run that extended the Devils’ lead to 28-6.
Luck favored the Eagles, as a bad snap on a Jackson punt placed them at the Devils’ 18 yard line. The Devils’ defense proved too strong though, recovering the Eagles’ fumble and giving their offense a chance to run out the clock to end the game.
With the win, Jackson moves to 8-0 on the year, 6-0 in region play. The Devils have the night off this Friday, returning to action at Red Devil Hill on October 30th, facing region opponent Woodward Academy (6-1, 5-0 in region play) with kickoff scheduled for 7:30. Just like last year, this game could be the deciding factor in the Region 4-AAA championship, depending on the result of their game against Mary Persons this Friday.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Red Devils Dominate the Jaguars
The Jackson Red Devils traveled north to Atlanta to take the South Atlanta Jaguars on a rare Saturday afternoon instead of the usual Friday. What wasn’t unusual was the large following of fans and dominate play by the Devils.
After winning the toss and deferring to the second half, the Jaguars kicked off to start the game. The Jackson offense was ready to strike and once again the weapon of choice was running back Quint McKibben, rushing 36 yards for the first of four touchdowns on the day. The four play drive was successful in just 1:39, making it the fourth week in a row the Devils’ offense was able to score on their opening drive, all under the two minute mark.
The Jackson defense again came to play, holding the Jaguars inside their own ten yard line. Again it was McKibben in the end zone following a 48 yard punt return and the Devils led 14-0.
South Atlanta then decided to strike, returning the Kyle Staples kickoff 90 yards for the Jaguars’ first score of the afternoon. Following a failed PAT, the Devils lead was cut to 14-6.
The Jackson offense soon found itself with a fourth down too far to try a field goal but too close to punt, and tried to gain the first down on a 4th and 12 play. The Matt Cawthon pass was incomplete and the Jaguars took over at their own 30 yard line. The Devils’ defense wasn’t ready to give up though and the first pass attempt by South Atlanta was intercepted by Kory House at the Jaguars 43 yard line. McKibben was able to push the defense backwards, finally rumbling into the end zone on a ten yard run. Following a missed extra point, the Devils led 20-6.
The offensive struggles for the Devils began with the second quarter. The Jaguars were able to recover a Jackson fumble but were forced to punt. Shortly after it was South Atlanta on the happy end of an interception at their own 36 yard line. Following another impressive defensive stand by the Devils, QB Matt Hayes connected with senior tight end Chris Head for the touchdown and the Devils led 34-6.
Having already returned one kickoff for a touch down, the Jaguars struck again returning the ball to the Jackson four yard line. Following a quarter back sneak up the middle, South Atlanta was back on the board, trailing 34-12.
The Jaguars received the kickoff to start the second half and the Jackson kickoff team was determined to stop them. South Atlanta began their drive on their own three yard line and were forced to punt soon after. Senior defensive end Neiron Ball was able to get in the backfield to block the punt, forcing the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety and the Devils’ lead was extended to 36-12.
The remainder of the third quarter was all about the defense as both teams exchanged possession but were unable to produce any positive results. The Devils were able to turn the tide though as junior Josh Henderson picked up a Jaguars fumble and return it 66 yards for the touchdown and the Devils were up 43-12.
The remainder of the game was all about the youngsters as Jackson held a comfortable lead. Quarterback Paul Sorrow led the Devils down the field for his first touchdown pass of the season, connecting with Carltez Watts and giving the Devils a 50-12 lead.
Following the kickoff, the Jaguars were able to put together their most successful drive of the day and the Devils’ lead was cut to 50-20. With only seconds remaining, the Devils were firmly in control and after taking a knee, moved on to 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in region play. After a three week road stand, the Devils return home to Red Devil on Friday October 9th to face region opponent Woodland from Stockbridge. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
After winning the toss and deferring to the second half, the Jaguars kicked off to start the game. The Jackson offense was ready to strike and once again the weapon of choice was running back Quint McKibben, rushing 36 yards for the first of four touchdowns on the day. The four play drive was successful in just 1:39, making it the fourth week in a row the Devils’ offense was able to score on their opening drive, all under the two minute mark.
The Jackson defense again came to play, holding the Jaguars inside their own ten yard line. Again it was McKibben in the end zone following a 48 yard punt return and the Devils led 14-0.
South Atlanta then decided to strike, returning the Kyle Staples kickoff 90 yards for the Jaguars’ first score of the afternoon. Following a failed PAT, the Devils lead was cut to 14-6.
The Jackson offense soon found itself with a fourth down too far to try a field goal but too close to punt, and tried to gain the first down on a 4th and 12 play. The Matt Cawthon pass was incomplete and the Jaguars took over at their own 30 yard line. The Devils’ defense wasn’t ready to give up though and the first pass attempt by South Atlanta was intercepted by Kory House at the Jaguars 43 yard line. McKibben was able to push the defense backwards, finally rumbling into the end zone on a ten yard run. Following a missed extra point, the Devils led 20-6.
The offensive struggles for the Devils began with the second quarter. The Jaguars were able to recover a Jackson fumble but were forced to punt. Shortly after it was South Atlanta on the happy end of an interception at their own 36 yard line. Following another impressive defensive stand by the Devils, QB Matt Hayes connected with senior tight end Chris Head for the touchdown and the Devils led 34-6.
Having already returned one kickoff for a touch down, the Jaguars struck again returning the ball to the Jackson four yard line. Following a quarter back sneak up the middle, South Atlanta was back on the board, trailing 34-12.
The Jaguars received the kickoff to start the second half and the Jackson kickoff team was determined to stop them. South Atlanta began their drive on their own three yard line and were forced to punt soon after. Senior defensive end Neiron Ball was able to get in the backfield to block the punt, forcing the ball out of the back of the end zone for a safety and the Devils’ lead was extended to 36-12.
The remainder of the third quarter was all about the defense as both teams exchanged possession but were unable to produce any positive results. The Devils were able to turn the tide though as junior Josh Henderson picked up a Jaguars fumble and return it 66 yards for the touchdown and the Devils were up 43-12.
The remainder of the game was all about the youngsters as Jackson held a comfortable lead. Quarterback Paul Sorrow led the Devils down the field for his first touchdown pass of the season, connecting with Carltez Watts and giving the Devils a 50-12 lead.
Following the kickoff, the Jaguars were able to put together their most successful drive of the day and the Devils’ lead was cut to 50-20. With only seconds remaining, the Devils were firmly in control and after taking a knee, moved on to 6-0 on the season and 4-0 in region play. After a three week road stand, the Devils return home to Red Devil on Friday October 9th to face region opponent Woodland from Stockbridge. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Danny Hoard "Big "D"
The high school sports world lost a great fan last week. Dan Newton Hoard passed away at his home in Jackson surrounded by his loved ones. This is really not a place for an article like this, but Big “D” was a special person. He loved sports and he loved to see kids make it to the big time. I don’t know of any one who pulled for the Red Devils more than him.
On top of that he ribbed me every time I got around him about how I was shot in Vietnam, but we won’t go there. You will have to wait until you see Danny again or maybe Herman Waits, because he is the nut that started that joke. Herman, it really didn’t happen that way.
His obituary talked about his athletic achievements, but they did not tell you about the three region championships he helped bring back to Jackson as a player and a coach.
Back in the 1970’s the Jaycees started a basketball league. This was the idea of the Macon Jaycees, because they had an all state football and basketball superstar who would play for them. They were going to have a single elimination tournament and Danny got up a team from Jackson. Of course as things turned out the Macon team lost their second game to a team from Jones County, so the single elimination went to a double elimination tournament. It has been so long ago I really don’t remember everyone who played, but I do remember Danny Hoard, Charles Daniel, Mike Wise, Seabie Maddox and others on our team.
Any way we went down to Macon to take on this once defeated team. The superstar scored 23 points in the first half and they were beating us. This did not set well with Danny and he let us know about it at half time. As you all know, Danny stuttered and it took him the whole half to tell us that we would go to a box in one defense with Charles Daniel playing the super star one on one. The superstar did not score in the second half and we won the game and went on to win the tournament and the Region 18 Jaycee Championship. We did this again for the next two years and we never lost a game during those tournaments.
Thanks Danny for the memories and thanks for being a friend to us all. You will be missed! Rest in peace brother!
Mike Wise
On top of that he ribbed me every time I got around him about how I was shot in Vietnam, but we won’t go there. You will have to wait until you see Danny again or maybe Herman Waits, because he is the nut that started that joke. Herman, it really didn’t happen that way.
His obituary talked about his athletic achievements, but they did not tell you about the three region championships he helped bring back to Jackson as a player and a coach.
Back in the 1970’s the Jaycees started a basketball league. This was the idea of the Macon Jaycees, because they had an all state football and basketball superstar who would play for them. They were going to have a single elimination tournament and Danny got up a team from Jackson. Of course as things turned out the Macon team lost their second game to a team from Jones County, so the single elimination went to a double elimination tournament. It has been so long ago I really don’t remember everyone who played, but I do remember Danny Hoard, Charles Daniel, Mike Wise, Seabie Maddox and others on our team.
Any way we went down to Macon to take on this once defeated team. The superstar scored 23 points in the first half and they were beating us. This did not set well with Danny and he let us know about it at half time. As you all know, Danny stuttered and it took him the whole half to tell us that we would go to a box in one defense with Charles Daniel playing the super star one on one. The superstar did not score in the second half and we won the game and went on to win the tournament and the Region 18 Jaycee Championship. We did this again for the next two years and we never lost a game during those tournaments.
Thanks Danny for the memories and thanks for being a friend to us all. You will be missed! Rest in peace brother!
Mike Wise
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Devils Show Up and Show Out at the Backyard Brawl
Usually when the score is 21-6, the game probably wasn’t that exciting. When you play your rival, 21-6 looks pretty good! Some fans however, base a season’s success on how you play against your rival instead of how the season in general goes. This year, Jackson fans have a reason to be proud. Traveling to Forsyth, the Red Devils showed the Jackson fans why they should be proud to wear red!
Friday’s game was a game about statements, and the Red Devils made a quite a few of them. The first one came with the run through sign made by the cheerleaders. Its message was simple: “These cleats are made for walking, and they’re gonna walk all over you!” The second was made by the players and was a little more subtle. After rumors of turmoil at the high school during the week, the Red Devils walked through the sign, arm in arm, with head coach Mike Parris right in the center of the line. The message was clear, “We’re here together, we’re here as one!”
As one, the Devils took the field and both offensively and defensively struck hard and struck fast. Jackson’s defense took the field first forcing the Bulldogs to punt after three plays that only moved eight yards. Jackson’s offense was also only on the field for three plays, but moved sixty five yards in less than a minute as quarterback Matt Cawthon connected with wide receiver Q. Stillwell for the first score of the evening.
The remainder of the first quarter became a defensive battle as the Devils again refused to give up a first down and the Bulldogs stubbornly refused to go down by fourteen, forcing a Jackson punt. Yet with two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Devils forced a fumble and recovered it on the Mary Persons eighteen yard line. Senior Akiir Griffin carried it in for Jackson’s second touchdown and with seventeen seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Devils led 14-0.
Defense was the game plan for both teams yet again in the second quarter. Mary Persons was successful in keeping Jackson out of the end zone for the third time, and the Devils defense stood strong, keeping the Bulldogs from gaining a single offensive first down.
Having won the toss and deferring to the second half, Jackson’s offense took the field with a comfortable lead to start the third quarter, but hoped to make it a little more comfortable. After being held back by the Bulldogs rush defense and penalties, quarterback Matt Cawthon connected with tight end Chris Head for a thirty nine yard pass, moving the Devils down to the Mary Persons twenty eight yard line. A Bulldog penalty moved the ball fifteen yards closer to the thirteen yard line. Thirteen yards was all Quint McKibben needed as he strolled in for the Devil’s third touchdown of the evening.
Defense again played a key role in the remaining quarter and a half of play. Mary Persons refused to go behind by anymore and Jackson refused to give up the shut out. The two teams exchanged a few punts as the game moved to the fourth quarter with the Devils ahead by twenty one points.
The final quarter began with the Bulldogs driving, gaining only their second first down of the evening. With a first and goal at the Devils’ seven yard line, the Jackson defensive unit showed their true colors. Holding the Bulldogs out of the end zone, Jackson took over on downs on their own three yard line. Being conservative and not risking a turn over, the Jackson coaches called for three rushing plays and were then forced to punt. Mary Persons took over with 6:38 remaining in the game on the Jackson thirty five yard line. After driving down the one yard line, the Mary Persons quarter back called his own number and dove in to the end zone for the Bulldogs first score. Following the missed extra point, Jackson led 21-6.
Refusing to submit, the Bulldogs recovered their onside kick but were stopped on fourth down as the Devils’ defense again showed what they were capable of. Jackson was able to move the ball again, but with only seconds remaining in the game, the Devils took a knee to run out the clock and claim the victory.
The Jackson defense performed at the highest possible level against their rival. They only allowed six first downs, three off penalties and not offensive production. The Bulldogs were held to only 101 yards of total offense, averaging only 2.2 yards per play.
With the win, Jackson moves to 5-0 on the season, 3-0 in region play. The Devils travel to downtown Atlanta Saturday, October 3, to face region opponent South Atlanta at Lakewood Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm.
Friday’s game was a game about statements, and the Red Devils made a quite a few of them. The first one came with the run through sign made by the cheerleaders. Its message was simple: “These cleats are made for walking, and they’re gonna walk all over you!” The second was made by the players and was a little more subtle. After rumors of turmoil at the high school during the week, the Red Devils walked through the sign, arm in arm, with head coach Mike Parris right in the center of the line. The message was clear, “We’re here together, we’re here as one!”
As one, the Devils took the field and both offensively and defensively struck hard and struck fast. Jackson’s defense took the field first forcing the Bulldogs to punt after three plays that only moved eight yards. Jackson’s offense was also only on the field for three plays, but moved sixty five yards in less than a minute as quarterback Matt Cawthon connected with wide receiver Q. Stillwell for the first score of the evening.
The remainder of the first quarter became a defensive battle as the Devils again refused to give up a first down and the Bulldogs stubbornly refused to go down by fourteen, forcing a Jackson punt. Yet with two minutes remaining in the quarter, the Devils forced a fumble and recovered it on the Mary Persons eighteen yard line. Senior Akiir Griffin carried it in for Jackson’s second touchdown and with seventeen seconds remaining in the first quarter, the Devils led 14-0.
Defense was the game plan for both teams yet again in the second quarter. Mary Persons was successful in keeping Jackson out of the end zone for the third time, and the Devils defense stood strong, keeping the Bulldogs from gaining a single offensive first down.
Having won the toss and deferring to the second half, Jackson’s offense took the field with a comfortable lead to start the third quarter, but hoped to make it a little more comfortable. After being held back by the Bulldogs rush defense and penalties, quarterback Matt Cawthon connected with tight end Chris Head for a thirty nine yard pass, moving the Devils down to the Mary Persons twenty eight yard line. A Bulldog penalty moved the ball fifteen yards closer to the thirteen yard line. Thirteen yards was all Quint McKibben needed as he strolled in for the Devil’s third touchdown of the evening.
Defense again played a key role in the remaining quarter and a half of play. Mary Persons refused to go behind by anymore and Jackson refused to give up the shut out. The two teams exchanged a few punts as the game moved to the fourth quarter with the Devils ahead by twenty one points.
The final quarter began with the Bulldogs driving, gaining only their second first down of the evening. With a first and goal at the Devils’ seven yard line, the Jackson defensive unit showed their true colors. Holding the Bulldogs out of the end zone, Jackson took over on downs on their own three yard line. Being conservative and not risking a turn over, the Jackson coaches called for three rushing plays and were then forced to punt. Mary Persons took over with 6:38 remaining in the game on the Jackson thirty five yard line. After driving down the one yard line, the Mary Persons quarter back called his own number and dove in to the end zone for the Bulldogs first score. Following the missed extra point, Jackson led 21-6.
Refusing to submit, the Bulldogs recovered their onside kick but were stopped on fourth down as the Devils’ defense again showed what they were capable of. Jackson was able to move the ball again, but with only seconds remaining in the game, the Devils took a knee to run out the clock and claim the victory.
The Jackson defense performed at the highest possible level against their rival. They only allowed six first downs, three off penalties and not offensive production. The Bulldogs were held to only 101 yards of total offense, averaging only 2.2 yards per play.
With the win, Jackson moves to 5-0 on the season, 3-0 in region play. The Devils travel to downtown Atlanta Saturday, October 3, to face region opponent South Atlanta at Lakewood Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30pm.
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