Gators upset the Jaguars, 28-27

The Vicksburg High School Gators faced off against the Holmes County Central Jaguars hoping to end their season on a good note, while the Jaguars were preparing for a playoff game next week. The Gators were prepared to end their season on their own field until the lights went out, which forced the game to be played across town at Warren Central High School.

On the opening drive, Vicksburg fumbled the ball. The Jaguars recovered it and took it back for a touchdown putting the game at 7-0 in the beginning of the first quarter. The Gators responded with a deep pass from Shakori Reagan to Keveon Smith for a big first down. Reagan would be picked off two plays later turning the ball back over to the Jaguars.

The Gator defense showed that they were ready to fight early in the game when  Marvin Martin sacked Jaguars quarterback Justin Smith injuring him, and putting him out for the remainder of the game. Jaguars were forced to punt, but the Gators blocked and recovered. Cedric Phillips got the ball a few times on the following drive but was stopped for short gains. Phillips ended up throwing a touchdown pass to Keveon Smith tying the score at 7-7.

The Gator defense came back hard again with Devonte Cage making a big stop, and the next play would result in a 14-yard run that set up a first down. An over-the-head snap put the Jaguars in bad field position and forced a punt after Marquise Blackmore got a sack. The Gators would eventually hand the ball back after Reagan was picked off while trying to throw the ball away.

The Jaguars would find their way into the end zone on this drive making it 13-7 at halftime.

“We have to find a way to shut their run game down, and we have to find a spark in our offense,” said coach Tim Hughes.

Vicksburg fumbled on the next kickoff but recovered. The Gator offense was still being shut down but Reagan threw a deep pass to Phillips who caught it and took it inside the 20-yard line. Phillips walked the ball into the end zone for a Gator touchdown, making it a 13-13 ball game. The Jaguars scored again on the following drive making the score 21-13.

The Gator offense found the spark they were looking for by moving the ball down the field.

“Use your hands,” said coach Andre Bennett, who preached to his offensive line during the game.

Phillips would get another touchdown from a Reagan pass making the score 21-19, but the Gators went for two and tied the game at 21 in the 4th quarter.

The Jaguars came out running the ball with the quarterback gaining huge yards. The Jaguars then threw a long touchdown pass making the score 27-21. Jaguars went for a 2-point conversion, which was no good.

With three minutes left in the game, the Gators received the kickoff and Smith took it to the end zone with a good extra point. The Gators won the game 28-27.

“It feels good to come out on top,” Phillips said. “We worked and won the game, and I thank my teammates and coaches for believing that we could do it.”