Tigers Fall At Home To
Area Foe N. Jackson
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by Dwight Turner Ardmore High School’s Varsity Football Team knew it would be in for a stiff challenge when perennial regional powerhouse North Jackson invaded Cooper Field last Friday night. The Chiefs are a mainstay in Alabama High School post-season action and this year’s team from North Jackson seems bent on maintaining that winning tradition. Although the Tigers put in a solid effort against the Chiefs, North Jackson proved too strong and came away with a 51-7 win. |
Making a play on a Chief ball carrier are Tigers from left, Landon Curtis, Jarrod Mullins, Travis Toone and Jeffery Boyce. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
The loss gives the Tigers a 2-1 overall record in 2006 and a 1-1 mark in regional play.
North Jackson took the opening kickoff and led by the passing of quarterback Matt Barnard and the running of tailback Don Gary, the Chiefs marched down the field and scored a touchdown with 8:27 remaining in the first quarter. Josh Smith booted the point-after and the Chiefs took an early 7-0 lead.
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The highlight of the evening for Tiger fans occurred on the ensuing kickoff when Duron Robinson raced 84 yards to the end zone to give Ardmore its only score of the night. Landon Curtis booted the extra point and the game stood tied at 7-7. North Jackson methodically moved the ball downfield on its next drive, but eventually settled for a 24-yard field goal from Smith. The Chiefs led 10-7 with 1:40 remaining in the initial quarter. Ardmore was unable to move the ball on its first drive from scrimmage and was forced to punt. North Jackson scored on its next drive to go up 17-7 with 9:34 remaining in the half. The Tiger defense, led by two great tackles by Tavo Sanchez, stopped the Chiefs and also forced a punt. From that point on, however, the North Jackson offense controlled the game. The Chiefs put together another scoring drive and led 24-7 at the half. |
Tavo Sanchez pulls a Chief runner down as JJ Jones closes in on the play Friday night, September 15, at Cooper Field. (photo by Bobby Malone) |
North Jackson scored on its first possession of the second half on a one-yard run by Gary. The point-after put the Chiefs up 31-7.
North Jackson continued to move the ball, seemingly at will, throughout the second half. The Chiefs scored three more touchdowns and, when the dust finally settled, won by a score of 51-7.
Tailback Derrick Green led the Tiger offense with 49 yards rushing and quarterbacks Elijah Barnes and Clay Wales both completed key passes in the loss to North Jackson. Robinson, who earlier returned a kickoff for a touchdown for Ardmore, suffered a concussion on a jarring tackle in the third quarter and was carried to Athens-Limestone Hospital for treatment. According to reports, Robinson is in stable condition but his availability for this week’s game is doubtful.
Ardmore travels to Huntsville this Saturday night to take on Columbia, a new regional opponent. Kickoff is slated for 7 PM at Milton Frank Stadium.