Red Devils Vex Canes 24-7

By STONE WORKMAN

On a stifling hot and humid night which leaves fans wondering why football season doesn’t start until after Labor Day, the Monticello Hurricanes stalled against the Jackson Red Devils and veered off-course on their 2011 gridiron path.

The ‘Canes could never get on track, falling behind 17-0 by halftime in their second non-region match against a much larger AAA opponent.

Monticello won the toss and deferred to receive in the second half. Jackson started on its 44 yard line and drove for a first down at the Monticello 46. Austin Pierce got a QB sack on the 46 and the next play a hard ‘Canes hit popped the ball into Senior Destin Breaux’s hands.

It appeared the Monticello boys still had some of the magic from last week’s game when Breaux broke free from five Red Devil tackles and rambled to the Jackson 19. A ‘Canes fumble on the next play ended the drive and Monticello would not have the ball in Jackson territory again until late in the fourth quarter.

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Jackson put together a 16 play drive passing and running for seven first downs before crossing the Monticello goal line for a 7-0 lead. The ‘Canes started a pattern of terrible kick-off returns and the first quarter ended with Monticello 3rd and 13 on its own four yard line.

Jackson crashed through the Monticello line for a safety on the first play of the 2nd quarter and a 9-0 lead. After the safety, the ‘Canes kicked back to the Red Devils and the run back placed the ball on the Monticello 37. Two plays later the Jackson boys were again in the end zone and after a two-point conversion lead 17-0.

Confusion on the receiving end of the kick-off placed the ‘Canes on their own one yard line. There they put a sustained, three first down drive together until an incomplete pass led to a Monticello punt.

The Red Devils threatened again, but Chris Thomas intercepted a Jackson pass at the Monticello one. The ‘Canes tried to put together a quick drive but a Jackson interception ended the first half with the ball on the Monticello 42.

Monticello started the second half receiving the ball and starting on their 17 yard line. After the offense stalled at the 26, Jackson took over on the mid-field mark wasting no time and in four plays scored their third touchdown of the night, now leading 24-0.

The Jackson defense kept Monticello bottled up until with 1:43 left in the game, Brady McMichael connected with Tra Jackson on a 49 yard TD pass making the final score 24-7.

“Our boys have to learn you can’t just flip a switch and be winners,” stated Head Coach Eddie Roberts.

“We had a bad week of practice, lacked focus, concentration and intensity, and I was disappointed in our overall play.

“We had a chance to beat Jackson and at times our defense played well, but we couldn’t stop their breakout plays for big gains.

“I want to commend Josh McMichael who played a good game at center and was our one bright offensive spot. On the defense, Billy Edwards, Quincy Standifer and Brandon Barger played well. We are going to work all week on our kicking game.”

“Morgan County will come to Monticello 2-0 with a 49-0 win over Clarkston High last week which leaves them unscored upon this year. They are a sound and well coached team and should be even better than they were last year.

“I know we will be ready this week. This will be a big region game that either team will have to win to compete for the region title. We appreciate the tremendous fan support that traveled to Jackson and we hope to see lots of purple at Rose Bowl field next week.”