Jeff Davis continued its strong play on the road Friday night, using a dominant rushing attack and another impressive defensive performance to defeat McIntosh County Academy, 36-7.
The Jackets piled up 339 yards of total offense, including 295 yards on the ground, while holding McIntosh County Academy to just 117 total yards. Jeff Davis also controlled the chains, finishing with 24 first downs compared to nine for the Buccaneers.
Jeff Davis struck first when Kobe Hill capped the opening drive with a 12-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. MCA answered later in the first quarter on a one-yard touchdown run by Earnest McIntosh, tying the game at 7-7. From there, it was all Jackets.
Early in the second quarter, Mark Durden connected with Braylon Varnadore for a 14-yard touchdown, and Varnadore added the two-point conversion to put Jeff Davis ahead 15-7. Hill found the end zone again just before halftime on a one-yard run, sending the Jackets into the locker room with a 22-7 advantage.
Jeff Davis continued to pull away in the second half. Hill broke loose for a 32-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, completing a three-touchdown night. The Jackets added their final score with 55 seconds remaining when Durden connected with Jaiden West for a 30-yard touchdown, putting the finishing touches on the 36-7 victory.
Hill led the Jeff Davis ground game with 86 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries, averaging 9.6 yards per attempt. Durden added 54 rushing yards, while Jacob Laney picked up 51 yards on just three carries and Garrison Coleman added 50 yards on 10 attempts. Durden was 2-for-4 passing for 44 yards and two touchdowns, with his completions going for scores to Varnadore and West.
The Jacket defense shut out MCA over the final three quarters. After allowing the first-quarter touchdown, Jeff Davis limited the Buccaneers to 105 rushing yards and only 12 yards through the air. West also recorded an interception as MCA finished just 1-for-6 passing.
Jeff Davis was perfect on its three trips into the red zone and finished the night with five touchdowns — three on the ground and two through the air.
After the game was tied 7-7 in the opening quarter, the Jackets scored 29 unanswered points to secure the 36-7 road victory.
When you’re wearing navy, you’re as good as gold!
