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
Sunday, September 27, 2009
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.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Spalding Shines on the Road!
The Jaguars went on the road last Friday night and brought a victory home after three heart-breaking losses. Not only did the defense shine, but so did the offense. These guys played just like I new they were capable of playing.
The Golden Eagles of Eagles Landing won the toss and elected to receive. This would turn out to be their first mistake of the night. After two Jarvous Johnson rushes, a face mask penalty on the Eagles and two passes by Casey Moody, one incomplete and one complete to Derrius Tyler for 12 yards. Casey Moody handed off to Jarvous Johnson who rambled for 26 yards to the Eagles Landing twenty-five yard line for what appeared to be a first down, but was wiped out by an illegal block, which brought the ball back to the Spalding 46. This was when the Jaguars came alive. On the very next play QB Casey Moody rolled left looking to pass and finding no one open and no defenders raced 54 yards to pay dirt and Spalding's first touchdown of the night. The Will Jeffcoat extra point was good and Spalding lead 7-0.
Will Jeffcoat and his tremendous leg put every kickoff on the night into the end zone for a touch back except one making any sort of a return an impossibility. The Jaguar defense only allowed the Eagles 11 plays for 21 yards. At the end of the first quarter the score remained 7-0 Spalding.
With the beginning of the second quarter the Jaguars the Jaguars continued their drive and ended with a 36 yard field goal by Will Jeffcoat with 11:52 remaining in the quarter. Jaguars 10-0.
On the kickoff Jeffcoat's kick traveled to the three yard line where it was returned 12 yards by Wiley Patrick to the Eagles 15 yard line. A face mask by the Jaguars moved the ball to the twenty yard line. The very next play the problems that had jumped on Spalding last week jumped on the Eagles back and the Jaguars Demarcus Allen recovered the ball for the Jags at the Eagles twenty. Three plays later and 10:43 left on the clock the Jags led 17-0.
The Will Jeffcoat kick off sailed into the end zone yet again and after the Eagles ran three plays Tyler Teknipp rolled right and threw a perfect pass to the waiting arms of the Jaguars Trent Martin who returned it to the the Eagles 27. The first play from scrimmage was stopped and Spalding was given five yards, because Eagles Landing had twelve men on the field. The next play Jarvous Johnson carried the ball 6 yards for a Jag first down. Casey Moody connected with Derrius Tyler to the Eagles two yard line, but a holding penalty brought it back to the Eagles 31. After an incomplete pass by Moody and a completion to Derrius Tyler for 13 yards and then to Zae Fuller for 18 and yet another Jaguar touchdown. The Will Jeffcoat kick was good and the Jaguar's were in control 24-0.
The ensuing kick off by Will Jeffcoat sailed into the end zone for yet another touch back. The Eagles drive started at the twenty and after three plays that resulted in -15 yards the Jaguars Chris Mays (6-6, 292 lbs) blocked another punt and Jeremy Ponder for the Jaguars fell on the ball for another score and after the you know who extra point (Will Jeffcoat). The score was 31-0 Jaguars. This score would take us to half time and as for me and the Jaguars things could not have been better.
At the start of the third quarter the Jaguars Will Jeffcoat sent the ball high and deep into the Eagles end zone for the touch back. The Eagles keep the ball only three plays and were forced to punt from their twenty five yard line the punt was downed on the Spalding 43. This series of downs started with a Zay Sharp's 1 yard run, a Casey Moody pass to Deondre Sims for 12 yards and two big runs by Zay Sharp, for 17 and 26 yards, took the ball down to the Eagles one yard line. Casey took the ball and drove into the end zone behind his big offensive line for the score. The extra point attempt by Sheriden Ashmore was no good and the Jaguars now had a 37-0 lead.
The kickoff by Jeffcoat went into the end zone and it was Eagles ball first and ten at the twenty yard line, but not for long for once again the Jaguar defense rose to the occasion and after a loss of six yards and five yards the Eagles attempted a pass that fell incomplete because of the defensive pressure and the flag was thrown for intentional grounding. So now with fourth and forever the Eagles had to punt, but yet another mistake as the ball sailed over the punters head and out of the end zone for two more Spalding points and a 39-0 score.
Shaq Lawrence kicked off from the twenty and the ball was taken by Deondre Sims at the Spalding thirty, he returned the ball forty-seven yards to the Golden Eagle twenty three yard line. Two rushes and a seventeen yard pass to Zae Fuller and the extra point by Will Jeffcoat the score stood at 46-0 Jaguars. This would be how the third quarter would end.
After the last score in the third the younger Jaguars took to the field and played really well. They allowed one score by the Eagles first string offense, but that was all and they got six of those points back when Chris Dickson went 39 yards around the right side for the score. The extra point by Kacy Stuart as no good and the Jaguars were up 52-7.
That is how the game would end as the clock ran the entire fourth quarter. The Jaguars take their first win of the season. With this week off and a chance for wounds to heal the Jaguars will take on Woodward Academy a week from this Friday (October 2, 2009) at Memorial Stadium in Griffin at 7:30 PM.
Folks go out and support this team, because crowds are important.
The Golden Eagles of Eagles Landing won the toss and elected to receive. This would turn out to be their first mistake of the night. After two Jarvous Johnson rushes, a face mask penalty on the Eagles and two passes by Casey Moody, one incomplete and one complete to Derrius Tyler for 12 yards. Casey Moody handed off to Jarvous Johnson who rambled for 26 yards to the Eagles Landing twenty-five yard line for what appeared to be a first down, but was wiped out by an illegal block, which brought the ball back to the Spalding 46. This was when the Jaguars came alive. On the very next play QB Casey Moody rolled left looking to pass and finding no one open and no defenders raced 54 yards to pay dirt and Spalding's first touchdown of the night. The Will Jeffcoat extra point was good and Spalding lead 7-0.
Will Jeffcoat and his tremendous leg put every kickoff on the night into the end zone for a touch back except one making any sort of a return an impossibility. The Jaguar defense only allowed the Eagles 11 plays for 21 yards. At the end of the first quarter the score remained 7-0 Spalding.
With the beginning of the second quarter the Jaguars the Jaguars continued their drive and ended with a 36 yard field goal by Will Jeffcoat with 11:52 remaining in the quarter. Jaguars 10-0.
On the kickoff Jeffcoat's kick traveled to the three yard line where it was returned 12 yards by Wiley Patrick to the Eagles 15 yard line. A face mask by the Jaguars moved the ball to the twenty yard line. The very next play the problems that had jumped on Spalding last week jumped on the Eagles back and the Jaguars Demarcus Allen recovered the ball for the Jags at the Eagles twenty. Three plays later and 10:43 left on the clock the Jags led 17-0.
The Will Jeffcoat kick off sailed into the end zone yet again and after the Eagles ran three plays Tyler Teknipp rolled right and threw a perfect pass to the waiting arms of the Jaguars Trent Martin who returned it to the the Eagles 27. The first play from scrimmage was stopped and Spalding was given five yards, because Eagles Landing had twelve men on the field. The next play Jarvous Johnson carried the ball 6 yards for a Jag first down. Casey Moody connected with Derrius Tyler to the Eagles two yard line, but a holding penalty brought it back to the Eagles 31. After an incomplete pass by Moody and a completion to Derrius Tyler for 13 yards and then to Zae Fuller for 18 and yet another Jaguar touchdown. The Will Jeffcoat kick was good and the Jaguar's were in control 24-0.
The ensuing kick off by Will Jeffcoat sailed into the end zone for yet another touch back. The Eagles drive started at the twenty and after three plays that resulted in -15 yards the Jaguars Chris Mays (6-6, 292 lbs) blocked another punt and Jeremy Ponder for the Jaguars fell on the ball for another score and after the you know who extra point (Will Jeffcoat). The score was 31-0 Jaguars. This score would take us to half time and as for me and the Jaguars things could not have been better.
At the start of the third quarter the Jaguars Will Jeffcoat sent the ball high and deep into the Eagles end zone for the touch back. The Eagles keep the ball only three plays and were forced to punt from their twenty five yard line the punt was downed on the Spalding 43. This series of downs started with a Zay Sharp's 1 yard run, a Casey Moody pass to Deondre Sims for 12 yards and two big runs by Zay Sharp, for 17 and 26 yards, took the ball down to the Eagles one yard line. Casey took the ball and drove into the end zone behind his big offensive line for the score. The extra point attempt by Sheriden Ashmore was no good and the Jaguars now had a 37-0 lead.
The kickoff by Jeffcoat went into the end zone and it was Eagles ball first and ten at the twenty yard line, but not for long for once again the Jaguar defense rose to the occasion and after a loss of six yards and five yards the Eagles attempted a pass that fell incomplete because of the defensive pressure and the flag was thrown for intentional grounding. So now with fourth and forever the Eagles had to punt, but yet another mistake as the ball sailed over the punters head and out of the end zone for two more Spalding points and a 39-0 score.
Shaq Lawrence kicked off from the twenty and the ball was taken by Deondre Sims at the Spalding thirty, he returned the ball forty-seven yards to the Golden Eagle twenty three yard line. Two rushes and a seventeen yard pass to Zae Fuller and the extra point by Will Jeffcoat the score stood at 46-0 Jaguars. This would be how the third quarter would end.
After the last score in the third the younger Jaguars took to the field and played really well. They allowed one score by the Eagles first string offense, but that was all and they got six of those points back when Chris Dickson went 39 yards around the right side for the score. The extra point by Kacy Stuart as no good and the Jaguars were up 52-7.
That is how the game would end as the clock ran the entire fourth quarter. The Jaguars take their first win of the season. With this week off and a chance for wounds to heal the Jaguars will take on Woodward Academy a week from this Friday (October 2, 2009) at Memorial Stadium in Griffin at 7:30 PM.
Folks go out and support this team, because crowds are important.
Jackson Defensive Barriers Hold Back Hurricane Rutland
It seemed a bit ironic that on what turned into the stormiest week of the season, the Jackson Red Devils headed to Macon, Georgia to take on region opponent, the Rutland Hurricanes. Luckily for the Jackson faithful, the skies cleared in time for kick-off in what is the Red Devils most impressive win of the season. So far this season, Red Devil football has been dominated by defense, yet on this night, the offense woke up!
The game began in an unexpected way. After winning the toss and choosing to kick first, receiving the ball in the second half, Rutland opened the game with an onside kick that was recovered by the Devils at their own 48 yard line. Taking advantage of field position, the Offense struck quickly with a 22 yard rush by Quint McKibben, and incomplete pass and a 30 yard rush by Cody Walker. After three plays and 1:04 off the clock, the Devils were up 7-0.
After driving down the field, Rutland was stopped by the Devils’ defense too far away to attempt a field goal, punting on a 4th and 7, pinning Jackson deep in their own territory. The Devils began their second drive from their own 3 yard line, and Rutland’s defense decided to show up. Jackson was forced to punt on what turned out to be their only unsuccessful drive of the first half.
Fortune favored the Hurricanes, who began their next drive on the Devils’ 5 yard line after an impressive punt return. But the Jackson Defense was determined to keep them out of the end zone. Rutland was backed up to the Jackson 10 yard line and on 4th down was forced to kick a field goal, that was a short and wide to the left.
Jackson took possession on their 20 yard line to begin their third drive. This time it took the Devils 6 plays and 3:05 to travel the 80 yards needed for Quint McKibben’s first touchdown of the evening. Kyle Staples’ kick made it 14-0 Jackson.
It was then that the Hurricanes decided to strike. Driving 65 yards, Rutland was finally on the board, but was unable to convert the PAT and Jackson’s lead was cut down 14-6 with 7:47 remaining in the first half.
The Devils continued to put the game on the shoulders of running back Quint McKibben. With the offense driving down the field for 65 yards, McKibben was in for his second touchdown. Following the kick, Jackson was up 21-6.
Jackson’s defense again was able to force a Rutland punt giving the offense a chance to strike again with one minute remaining in the half. Following a series of incomplete but oh so close passes and a sack on quarterback Matthew Hayes, the Devils were facing 4th and 15, turned out to be the perfect time to throw the long ball. Jackson now had a first down at the Rutland 45 with time for one more play. Every single Jackson fan held their breath as Hayes pass was completed at the Rutland 5 yard line, and all let out a collective groan as Chris Head was tackled as the clock ran out ending the half.
Jackson kicked off to start the second half and the defense struck quickly, pushing the Hurricanes back 6 yards to their own three yard line and forcing the punt. A short punt gave Jackson great field position, starting the drive at Rutland’s 20 yard line. 3 plays later, it was again Quint McKibben with the ball, rushing for his third touchdown, giving Jackson a 28-6 lead after Staples’ PAT.
Following the kickoff, Rutland decided it time for some fireworks of their own. Needing only one play, the Rutland running back carried the ball 78 yards for the touchdown. Trying to bring the score a little closer, the Hurricanes went for the two point conversion but were unsuccessful. 28-12 Jackson.
Following a personal foul penalty on the PAT, Rutland kicked off 15 yards closer to the Jackson end zone, resulting in a touchback. The Devils took control of the ball with 7:20 remaining in the third, and proceeded to perform as usual. Driving the 80 yards needed for the score, it was again Quint McKibben running untouched into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the evening. With a lead of 34-12, the Jackson fans knew what was next. Cheers of support flooded the field as sophomore Hannah Kline came out for the PAT. Following a bad snap and a fumbled hold, Hannah collected her first failed attempt of her career and the lead remained 34-12.
Rutland took control of the ball at their own 20 following the kickoff by Kyle Staples, and were again the victim of the Devils' defense. On a third down pass, it was Marciano Allen that came down with the ball instead of the Rutland receiver, and the Devils again took possession with great field position, taking over at the Rutland 10.
Luck would favor the Hurricanes as quarterback Matt Cawthon stepped onto the field, but only briefly. Cawthon’s pass was intercepted, returned 15 yards, fumbled and recovered by the Devils at the Rutland 33. Cody Walker decided it was his turn to shine, taking the ball all 33 yards needed for the touchdown. Following a second bad snap, Hannah Kline’s PAT was blocked but the damage was done and the Devils led 40-12 with 23 seconds remaining in the third.
The fourth quarter was about game experience for the Devils’ younger offensive players. With the running clock rule in affect, time moved quickly and Jackson moved to 4-0 for the season, 2-0 in region 4-AAA. When all was said and done, the Jackson defense proved again that they are a force of nature of their own, quieting the Hurricanes offense. Jackson’s offense however, no to be outdone, was very impressive. With six rushing touchdowns and a combined 406 yards of offense, the Devils seem to all the pieces necessary to make another run in the region.
Jackson fans are never far away when the Devils take the field and a few times, crowd noise pushed the Devils the little bit extra needed to win. This Friday is no different as Jackson travels down the road to Forsyth, GA to face rival Mary Persons. The Bulldogs are also 4-0, (2-0) in region play, so a win would be more than just bragging rights for another year. A win would be standing on top of Region 4-AAA alone and unbeaten.
The game began in an unexpected way. After winning the toss and choosing to kick first, receiving the ball in the second half, Rutland opened the game with an onside kick that was recovered by the Devils at their own 48 yard line. Taking advantage of field position, the Offense struck quickly with a 22 yard rush by Quint McKibben, and incomplete pass and a 30 yard rush by Cody Walker. After three plays and 1:04 off the clock, the Devils were up 7-0.
After driving down the field, Rutland was stopped by the Devils’ defense too far away to attempt a field goal, punting on a 4th and 7, pinning Jackson deep in their own territory. The Devils began their second drive from their own 3 yard line, and Rutland’s defense decided to show up. Jackson was forced to punt on what turned out to be their only unsuccessful drive of the first half.
Fortune favored the Hurricanes, who began their next drive on the Devils’ 5 yard line after an impressive punt return. But the Jackson Defense was determined to keep them out of the end zone. Rutland was backed up to the Jackson 10 yard line and on 4th down was forced to kick a field goal, that was a short and wide to the left.
Jackson took possession on their 20 yard line to begin their third drive. This time it took the Devils 6 plays and 3:05 to travel the 80 yards needed for Quint McKibben’s first touchdown of the evening. Kyle Staples’ kick made it 14-0 Jackson.
It was then that the Hurricanes decided to strike. Driving 65 yards, Rutland was finally on the board, but was unable to convert the PAT and Jackson’s lead was cut down 14-6 with 7:47 remaining in the first half.
The Devils continued to put the game on the shoulders of running back Quint McKibben. With the offense driving down the field for 65 yards, McKibben was in for his second touchdown. Following the kick, Jackson was up 21-6.
Jackson’s defense again was able to force a Rutland punt giving the offense a chance to strike again with one minute remaining in the half. Following a series of incomplete but oh so close passes and a sack on quarterback Matthew Hayes, the Devils were facing 4th and 15, turned out to be the perfect time to throw the long ball. Jackson now had a first down at the Rutland 45 with time for one more play. Every single Jackson fan held their breath as Hayes pass was completed at the Rutland 5 yard line, and all let out a collective groan as Chris Head was tackled as the clock ran out ending the half.
Jackson kicked off to start the second half and the defense struck quickly, pushing the Hurricanes back 6 yards to their own three yard line and forcing the punt. A short punt gave Jackson great field position, starting the drive at Rutland’s 20 yard line. 3 plays later, it was again Quint McKibben with the ball, rushing for his third touchdown, giving Jackson a 28-6 lead after Staples’ PAT.
Following the kickoff, Rutland decided it time for some fireworks of their own. Needing only one play, the Rutland running back carried the ball 78 yards for the touchdown. Trying to bring the score a little closer, the Hurricanes went for the two point conversion but were unsuccessful. 28-12 Jackson.
Following a personal foul penalty on the PAT, Rutland kicked off 15 yards closer to the Jackson end zone, resulting in a touchback. The Devils took control of the ball with 7:20 remaining in the third, and proceeded to perform as usual. Driving the 80 yards needed for the score, it was again Quint McKibben running untouched into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the evening. With a lead of 34-12, the Jackson fans knew what was next. Cheers of support flooded the field as sophomore Hannah Kline came out for the PAT. Following a bad snap and a fumbled hold, Hannah collected her first failed attempt of her career and the lead remained 34-12.
Rutland took control of the ball at their own 20 following the kickoff by Kyle Staples, and were again the victim of the Devils' defense. On a third down pass, it was Marciano Allen that came down with the ball instead of the Rutland receiver, and the Devils again took possession with great field position, taking over at the Rutland 10.
Luck would favor the Hurricanes as quarterback Matt Cawthon stepped onto the field, but only briefly. Cawthon’s pass was intercepted, returned 15 yards, fumbled and recovered by the Devils at the Rutland 33. Cody Walker decided it was his turn to shine, taking the ball all 33 yards needed for the touchdown. Following a second bad snap, Hannah Kline’s PAT was blocked but the damage was done and the Devils led 40-12 with 23 seconds remaining in the third.
The fourth quarter was about game experience for the Devils’ younger offensive players. With the running clock rule in affect, time moved quickly and Jackson moved to 4-0 for the season, 2-0 in region 4-AAA. When all was said and done, the Jackson defense proved again that they are a force of nature of their own, quieting the Hurricanes offense. Jackson’s offense however, no to be outdone, was very impressive. With six rushing touchdowns and a combined 406 yards of offense, the Devils seem to all the pieces necessary to make another run in the region.
Jackson fans are never far away when the Devils take the field and a few times, crowd noise pushed the Devils the little bit extra needed to win. This Friday is no different as Jackson travels down the road to Forsyth, GA to face rival Mary Persons. The Bulldogs are also 4-0, (2-0) in region play, so a win would be more than just bragging rights for another year. A win would be standing on top of Region 4-AAA alone and unbeaten.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Jackson High School Football
There's an old saying that defense wins championships. The stats show that the 2008 version of the Jackson Red Devils had one of the best defenses in the state, but there was no championship to be won. This only shows that while defense may win championships, it takes a little offense to get you to the big dance.
With the 2009 season underway, the Jackson defense is again flexing their muscles and showing that they are, yet again, one of the best in the state. After the first three games (one region game) the Devils' defense is averaging 4.7 points per game. I will agree that after only three games it's hard to tell, but you have to have a starting point. In that three game span, they have also only allowed 18 first downs (6 per game), 187 rushing yards (62.3 yards per game) and 161 passing yards (53.7 yards per game). Those are numbers that any team on any level will gladly take! A lot of Devil haters will say that they haven't really played anyone. Granted the three opponents they have played are a combined 3-6 in their first three games, 128-170 in scoring, but the Devils have all but dominated those games. The 14 points allowed so far this season were all scored in the fourth quarter of their games against the JV defenses. With pride getting in the way and starters remaining in the games, the Devil defense would be sitting on three shut-outs instead of only one.
Looking more into the season to date stats for Jackson show more of the tale of what the Devils are doing defensivly.
Opossing teams are 3/30 on third down conversions (10%). Opossing teams are 5/8 on fourth down conversions (62%). The Devils defense has 8 sacks for a combined 40 yards. The Devils have 21 tackles for a loss for a combined 104 yards. The Devils have forced 21 punts. The Devils have not allowed any field goal attempts.
With region play just beginning, the true tests for the Devils' defense is yet to come. There is no doubt that they will be up for the challenge. With the offense beginning to click as well, whispers of that defensive led championship have begin to circulate through Red Devil Hill.
Upcoming Games
9/18/09 @ Rutland
9/25/09 @ Mary Persons
10/3/09 @ South Atlanta
With the 2009 season underway, the Jackson defense is again flexing their muscles and showing that they are, yet again, one of the best in the state. After the first three games (one region game) the Devils' defense is averaging 4.7 points per game. I will agree that after only three games it's hard to tell, but you have to have a starting point. In that three game span, they have also only allowed 18 first downs (6 per game), 187 rushing yards (62.3 yards per game) and 161 passing yards (53.7 yards per game). Those are numbers that any team on any level will gladly take! A lot of Devil haters will say that they haven't really played anyone. Granted the three opponents they have played are a combined 3-6 in their first three games, 128-170 in scoring, but the Devils have all but dominated those games. The 14 points allowed so far this season were all scored in the fourth quarter of their games against the JV defenses. With pride getting in the way and starters remaining in the games, the Devil defense would be sitting on three shut-outs instead of only one.
Looking more into the season to date stats for Jackson show more of the tale of what the Devils are doing defensivly.
Opossing teams are 3/30 on third down conversions (10%). Opossing teams are 5/8 on fourth down conversions (62%). The Devils defense has 8 sacks for a combined 40 yards. The Devils have 21 tackles for a loss for a combined 104 yards. The Devils have forced 21 punts. The Devils have not allowed any field goal attempts.
With region play just beginning, the true tests for the Devils' defense is yet to come. There is no doubt that they will be up for the challenge. With the offense beginning to click as well, whispers of that defensive led championship have begin to circulate through Red Devil Hill.
Upcoming Games
9/18/09 @ Rutland
9/25/09 @ Mary Persons
10/3/09 @ South Atlanta
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