Jackson football team nips Seckman 8-7

A stingy defense and just enough offense combined to end Jackson's five-game losing streak.

It also sent Jackson's seniors out with a win in their final home appearance of the regular season while keeping alive the Indians' playoff hopes.

"It was great to get the seniors a win," junior linebacker Ken Maudie said following Friday night's 8-7 victory over visiting Seckman. "I was really proud of them."

Sophomores and juniors dominate Jackson's roster, meaning things could be looking up for the Indians in the future.

But Jackson coach Van Hitt said the future was now for his seniors.

Jackson's Skyler Steele avoids Seckman's Tanner Harry, left, as Jackson's Justin LeGrand blocks Seckman's Sean Thomas, right, during the first quarter Friday in Jackson. (Kristin Eberts)

"I'm real happy for them to get a win on senior night, the last time they'll play here," Hitt said. "They put in a lot of work the last few years."

Senior defensive tackle Ben Rushin, who had a key sack late, said the Indians finally put together a strong four-quarter performance.

"We've played a good quarter or a good half, but tonight we played a full game," Rushin said. "I feel like we played as a team tonight. It feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."

Jackson improved to 2-7 overall and 1-1 in Class 5 District 1.

The Indians need to win at district favorite Rockwood Summit (2-0) in Thursday's regular-season finale and have Poplar Bluff (1-1) lose to Seckman in order to make the playoffs.

Jackson's Colten Proffer reverses direction to avoid Seckman's Anthony Martin during the first quarter Friday.

"It's a chance. We'll take any chance we got," Maudie said.

All the scoring Friday came in the first eight minutes. Both teams reached the end zone on their opening drive. The defenses then took over, although Jackson had several other golden opportunities.

"We should have had at least two more touchdowns," Hitt said.

Seckman, a big and physical squad that lacks speed, pounded the ball down Jackson's throat on the game's opening possession.

The Jaguars (2-6, 0-2), who feature a true wishbone offense, marched 62 yards in 14 plays and converted two fourth downs.

Jackson's Justin Thele, left, celebrates with teammate Ken Maudie after the Indians' touchdown during the first quarter Friday. (Kristin Eberts)

Senior Jeff Dattoli's 1-yard plunge and the extra point put Seckman ahead 7-0 just 6 minutes, 17 seconds into the contest.

"The first series was shaky. It was tough," Maudie said.

Jackson's offense came right back by driving 72 yards in only four plays.

The Indians, not a prolific passing team this year, attempted passes on their first seven offensive plays.

Sophomore quarterback Ty Selsor completed all four of his attempts on the Indians' opening possession.

Seckman's John Shaver dives after Jackson's Levi Rutherford as Rutherford runs the ball during the second quarter Friday.

Senior Levi Rutherford caught two passes for 50 yards on the drive, which ended when Selsor hit junior Skyler Steele from 15 yards out with 4:19 left in the first quarter.

With kicker Adam Brown not available for the contest, Jackson went for a 2-point conversion and got it when Selsor connected with sophomore Trea Forbs.

Selsor completed 15 of 23 passes for 199 yards. Hitt said the Indians might have thrown even more but Selsor injured his shoulder on a 33-yard run late in the opening period.

Selsor missed the rest of that series but was back in the next time Jackson got the ball.

"We spread it out early," Hitt said. "Then Ty hurt his shoulder and he couldn't throw it as well. But I thought he played a heck of a game."

So did Jackson's defense, which never allowed the Jaguars to sniff the end zone after Seckman's opening drive for a touchdown.

"We knew they would be physical and run right at us," Hitt said. "After the first series, we stepped up. We stood toe to toe with them, which I was really proud of."

After getting 62 yards on their first drive, the Jaguars managed just 118 yards the rest of the way.

"The defense really stepped up," Maudie said.

Jackson could have made things easier on itself. The Indians drove inside Seckman's 15-yard line but came away empty twice in the first half, including once when they were stopped at the 2-yard line.

The Indians also had a golden opportunity in the third quarter but a drive stalled after reaching Seckman's 9-yard line.

Seckman had one last shot, taking over on Jackson's 42-yard line after the Indians failed on a fake punt with just less than eight minutes left in the game.

The Jaguars picked up a first down to the 30. After a 1-yard gain, Rushin sacked sophomore quarterback Devon McCoy on second down. At least four Indians then sacked McCoy on third down to force a punt.

"It felt great," Rushin said about his sack and the defensive stand as a whole.

Jackson took over on its 29-yard line with 4:29 left. The Indians ran out the clock by converting three third downs, all on runs by Selsor.

"Our team and our seniors gave it all we had," Selsor said. "I was glad we won it for the seniors. It's the last time they'll ever play here."

Jackson finished with 323 yards compared to 180 yards for Seckman.

Shifty sophomore Colten Proffer led the rushing attack with 56 yards on 13 carries, including a 36-yarder. He also went 48 yards with a screen pass.

Forbs caught six passes for 40 yards. Rutherford and Steele both had three receptions.

Senior Zach Naes rushed for 102 on 23 carries to pace the Jaguars, who attempted just three passes.

Seckman 7 0 0 0 -- 7

Jackson 8 0 0 0 -- 8

First Quarter

S -- Jeff Dattoli 1 run (Daniel Hughey kick), 5:43

J -- Skyler Steele 15 pass from Ty Selsor (Trea Forbs pass from Selsor), 4:19

S J

First downs 9 14

Rushes-yards 45-161 36-124

Passing yards 19 199

Passes 1-3-0 15-26-0

Punts 5-30 3-36.5

Fumbles-lost 1-1 1-0

Penalties-yards 3-20 4-25

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING -- Seckman, Zach Naes 23-102, Zayne Tindall 7-45, Jeff Dattoli 7-23, Andrew Kraus 2-3, Devon McCoy 6-(-12). Jackson, Colten Proffer 13-56, Selsor 12-33, Nick Cooper 3-19, Levi Rutherford 3-11, Jacob Jones 3-7, Team 2-(-2).

PASSING -- Seckman, Devon McCoy 1-2-0-19, Jeff Dattoli 0-1-0-0. Jackson, Ty Selsor 15-23-0-199, Stephen Dunn 0-3-0-0.

RECEIVING -- Seckman, Jeff Dattoli 1-19. Jackson, Trea Forbs 6-40, Levi Rutherford 3-50, Skyler Steele 3-30, Stephen Dunn 2-31, Colten Proffer 1-48.