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.