North Jackson defeats Mustangs in tough non-classification game
Unfinished business has been a key motivational tool for Coach Eric Cohu and the Madison Academy Mustangs.
One piece of business that has yet to be completed is an answer for last year’s beginning to the season at North Jackson.
A 42-7 loss to start the season left a bad taste in the mouths of the playoff-bound Mustangs.
The first quarter was like the beginning rounds of a heavyweight title fight with both teams feeling each other out. Both defenses allowed only one first down and the first quarter was played between the respective 30-yard lines. The teams each punted twice and the first quarter ended tied at zero.
The second quarter began with a Mustang drive that culminated with a 35-yard touchdown run on third and long by quarterback Hunter Olive. The North Jackson Chiefs were quick to answer as they responded with a long touchdown run to tie the game once more at 7. A short punt followed by a halfback pass put the Chiefs inside the 5 yard line where they would punch it in to take a 14-7 lead with 4:29 remaining in the first half. The half ended with that score.
The third quarter saw Madison Academy begin with the ball, but were unable to move down the field. North Jackson used a long punt return to setup their third score of the night and take a 21-7 lead with 9:23 left in the third quarter. The Mustangs would add a Chandler Trach field goal to their tally making it 21-10 Chiefs at the end of the quarter.
The Mustang offense struggled to move the ball in the fourth quarter and after a fumbled snap on a punt, the Chiefs scored again, making the score 28-10.
As both teams now move into their classification for the rest of their regular season, they have a better understanding of what they have.
Both teams seem poised for great years, and as the season progresses, both teams will be contenders in their respective regions and classifications.
