How getting back to its roots sparked Jackson Academy football past St. Joseph Catholic
MADISON -- Jackson Academy looked like it was still on an open week during the first quarter of its football game against St. Joseph Catholic on Friday night. After shaking off the rust, the Raiders spoiled St. Joseph Catholic's homecoming with a 29-14 win at Bill Raphael Field.
St. Joseph (3-3, 0-2 MAIS District 1-6A) scored on its opening possession, aided by a personal foul and two pass interference penalties before Kaleb Gray scored on a 5-yards run. The Bruins converted a two-point conversion as Keyshaun Coleman caught a pass from quarterback King White for an 8-0 lead on the Raiders (5-2, 1-1), ranked No. 25 in the Mississippi Super 25.
“This win was about us being together,” Jackson Academy coach Aubrey Blackwell said. “It was us getting back to our roots. Every day we break down on family, and we have to mean it. This week we sent letters out to our alumni and picked someone that wore a JA uniform and delicate the season to them.”
Jackson Academy junior running back Omarean Ellis, who rushed 14 times for 82 yards with one touchdown, got things moving for the Raiders with a 42-yard run the middle for a touchdown. Carter Mathison passed to DJ Watkins for a two-point conversion that tied the score at 8. Watkins scored on an 8-yard run right before halftime to give Jackson a 15-8 lead.
With less than five minutes to play, White threw a 15-yard fade pass to Tee Robinson that cut the Raiders' lead to 22-14. White finished 19-for-33 passing for 141 yards with two touchdowns.
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On Jackson Academy's next possession, quarterback Carter Mathison passed to Kiandre Terry for a 7-yard touchdown to put the game away. Mathison finished 12-of-22 for 136 yards with one touchdown, .
Jackson Academy (5-2, including 1-1 in MAIS 1-6A) registered eight sacks, thwarting numerous drives once St. Joseph (3-3, 0-2) was in scoring position. The Bruins had 187 yards total offense, while Jackson Academy had 277.
"The guys dug deeper, and it did a lot for our community and team," Blackwell said. "I’m glad to get back in the win column and ready to move forward.”
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson Academy recovers from early deficit to top St. Joseph Catholic
