After the great escape

When looking back at a football season, there is typically a defining moment, be it a play, game or, in Jackson's case, a quarter that can turn a season around.

After seeing a 7-6 halftime deficit to Parkway Central turn into a 28-6 hole with less than seven minutes remaining on Friday, the Indians pulled off one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent Jackson history and in the process kept their district title hopes alive.

"It is hard to believe," Jackson coach Carl Gross said of the comeback. "It's still hard to believe a week later. But it's like Yogi Berra said, 'It's not over till it's over.' There's never been a more important spot that that stood out."

Jackson's comeback started with a kickoff return for a touchdown by running back Jason Meystedt, who completed the comeback with a short touchdown run with less than two minutes remaining.

"We all came out after that kickoff and we just knew we could win it," Meystedt said.

From two recovered onside kicks to quarterback Marc Lumsden's 6-for-6 performance down the stretch, there were numerous highlights in those final seven minutes.

"So many different players had to make big plays for all that to happen," Gross said.

With the buzz of their thrilling comeback still lingering throughout the town and school, the Indians must gear up for their final two district games, including tonight's final home game against Parkway West. They're hoping to ride the momentum of Friday's comeback to their second Class 5 state playoff berth.

Meystedt said seeing how they played the final seven minutes against Parkway Central should give the Indians confidence heading into tonight's game.

"It really showed us what we can do if we play up to our potential," he said.

As important as Jackson's win over Parkway Central was in terms of a confidence builder, the game was even more vital in terms of keeping the Indians near the top of the district standings. Jackson is currently right behind Francis Howell, which leads the Indians in the point differential category after a 28-7 win over Parkway West.

Gross said a loss against the Colts would not have meant the end to Jackson's season, but he likes having the team's fate in its own hands.

"We wouldn't have quit because anything can happen, but you sure like your chances better," he said.

Playing in front of the home crowd for possibly the last time, Jackson's 19 seniors will try to make sure the Indians don't lose any of the momentum they gained from their win over the Colts.

"Everyone knows this could be our last home game if we don't win district," senior defensive lineman Tyler McNeely said. "Everyone's mentally ready for Parkway West."

While the Indians plan to avoid starting slow like they did against the Colts, if they do fall behind early on, they will have the comfort of knowing that almost no lead is insurmountable.

"It gave us a lot of confidence knowing we can come back and score a lot of points in a hurry," Gross said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171