Canes Fall at Morgan County

The Jasper County-Monticello High School Hurricanes put forth a gutsy effort last Friday in Madison before falling to Morgan County High School 28-0.

Shamarian Greene carried the football 30 times for the Canes for a team high 65 yards. Each yard was tough running as the junior’s longest carry was 12 yards.

Mac Barton stepped in at quarterback as the Hurricanes are dealing with various injuries despite it still being relatively early in the 2020 season.

Coach Rydell Jackson’s team took the game’s opening possession at its own 17-yard line. After gaining two first downs behind the running of Greene and Ardarius Benton, Jasper County-Monticello was forced to punt.

The defense stepped up for the Hurricanes forcing Morgan County to punt on its first offensive series of the contest.

The Hurricanes then went three-and-out giving the Bulldogs the football back at their own 29-yard line. Morgan County then put its first points on the scoreboard on a 68-yard run with 3:00 left in the opening quarter.

The Hurricanes had a chance for points on the following series but a dropped pass hurt the drive’s momentum.

The Bulldogs stretched their advantage to 14-0 on their next drive despite strong defensive plays by Brandon Ridley and Jacarican Grier.

Morgan County would take a 21-0 lead into halftime after capping a short 46-yard drive.

Jasper County-Monticello then had a 45-yard kickoff return by Greene but despite starting the possession at midfield was unable to reach the endzone.

The Bulldogs scored the only points of the second half on a third quarter touchdown.

Morgan County finished the contest with 14 first downs while the Hurricanes had seven. The Bulldogs rushed for 247 yards while passing for 74. Jasper County-Monticello rushed for 145 yards while passing for 13.

Freshman Tyler Banks rushed for 55 yards in the final minute for the Hurricanes. The game ended with Jasper County-Monticello at the Bulldog 1-yard line.

It was the first win of the season for Morgan County who is now 1-2 overall. The Hurricanes fell to 0-3 overall.

Greene has now rushed for 156 yards in three games for Jasper County-Monticello which is a team best. He is also the team’s top receiver with 51 yards.

Barton had rushed for 115 yards in the first three contests while Cedrion Stone has 39 receiving yards.

Stone has also been a force on the defensive side of the football for the Hurricanes with 23 solo tackles and five assists. Jacarion Grier has made 17 solo stops and nine assists with four tackles for negative yards.

Jackson said he has been pleased with the way the players continue to battle and work hard in practices and games. He said the key for the team will be to continue working and preparing each week.

The varsity squad will travel to Greene County High School Friday for a non-region contest starting at 7:30 p.m. Both teams will be hoping for their initial victory of 2020 as the Tigers are also 0-3.

Greene County has struggled this season being outscored 137-10 in its three outings. The matchup with the Tigers will be the final non-region contest for the Hurricanes.