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.

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.