The Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets got one final tune-up before the games begin to count Friday night, hosting the Dublin Fighting Irish at The Pinelands in the Jackets’ second preseason scrimmage.
Jeff Davis’ varsity starters played the first half, with Dublin holding a narrow 7-6 advantage at halftime. The Yellow Jacket varsity reserves took over for the third quarter, when Dublin added two touchdowns. Freshmen then got their opportunity in the fourth quarter, playing a controlled 10-play series to close out the night.
The scrimmage format gave Jeff Davis coaches an opportunity to evaluate players throughout the roster, work different groups in game situations and identify areas to address before next week’s regular-season opener.
Jeff Davis found its success primarily on the ground, finishing with 132 rushing yards on 37 carries. The Jackets did not attempt a pass, instead using the night to get a number of different players involved in the rushing attack. Mark Durden led Jeff Davis with 56 yards on 11 carries, including a 34-yard run. Keylin Biggins added 24 yards on two carries, highlighted by a 22-yard gain, while Kobe Hill finished with 12 yards on two attempts.
The Jackets had opportunities to add points during the scrimmage, reaching the red zone four times but were unable to consistently finish drives. Jeff Davis also attempted two field goals and an extra-point kick that were unsuccessful.
Defensively, Durden provided one of the Jackets’ biggest plays of the night when he intercepted a Dublin pass to end a Fighting Irish drive.
Dublin did most of its damage on the ground as well, finishing with 247 rushing yards. Matthew Batts led the Fighting Irish with 79 yards on four carries, while Dublin used several different ball carriers throughout the scrimmage.
Jeff Davis was relatively disciplined on the night, finishing with just three penalties for 25 yards.
Friday’s matchup completed a two-week preseason stretch for the Yellow Jackets. Jeff Davis opened with a 0-0 scrimmage against Appling County before facing Dublin Friday night.
Now, the focus shifts to the regular season. The Yellow Jackets will remain at home next Friday, August 21, when Vidalia comes to The Pinelands for the 2026 regular-season opener and Pack the Pinelands night.
After two weeks of preseason work, the next time Jeff Davis takes the field, the result will officially count.
Scrimmage Final: Dublin 19, Jeff Davis 6
Up Next: Vidalia at Jeff Davis — Friday, August 21 | Pack the Pinelands
