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Jets notch first victory
James Clemens running back Bradley Belt rushed for 136 yards and scored twice in a 21-14 win over Gadsden City. Contributed/Chris Shimek
By MIKE EASTERLING / For the Record
MADISON – It wasn’t decided until the hour grew late, but James Clemens High School finally broke into the 2016 football win column.
The host Jets, derailed by turnovers in the season’s first two weeks, flipped the script against struggling Gadsden City and earned a 21-14 Class 7A, Region 7 victory Friday night at Madison City Schools Stadium.
Defensive end LaBryan Ray, a highly rated prospect and one of many on James Clemens’ roster, blocked a punt and scored after returning it seven yards in the third quarter.
Bradley Belt scored the game winner on a 5-yard run with 4:28 left in the fourth quarter.
It was a defensive battle with the Jets totaling 12 first downs to the Titans’ 4.
“It feels good to get back (to winning),” James Clemens senior offensive tackle Brody Collier said. “We’ve been working hard and we know we have to keep working hard.”
James Clemens, ranked 10th in the state, improved to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the region. Gadsden City, which entered the season with high expectations, fell to 0-4 and 0-2.
Ray also had 10 tackles for the Jets, who had two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Belt had 136 yards and two touchdowns.
The Titans got a 74-yard return off a blocked field goal in the second quarter. It was 7-all at halftime.
The Jets now turn their attention to Sparkman. “If we don’t get focused on them they can mess you up quick,” Collier said.
