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.