Jackson improves record to 4-0

MAYFIELD, Ky. -- Mario Whitney scored on three first-half runs as undefeated Jackson cruised to a 41-20 victory Friday night over Graves County.

Whitney, who has now scored 14 touchdowns on the season, scored on runs of 16, 37 and 30 yards to stake the Indians to a 20-6 halftime lead.

Graves County (1-3) never recovered, turning the ball over on its first three possessions of the first quarter with Jackson scoring touchdowns off each for a commanding 41-6 lead.

Whitney, who had 183 yards in the first half and over 200 yards on the night, opened the scoring at the 8:26 mark of the first quarter. Jackson took the game's opening kickoff and needed just eight plays to cover 65 yards. Whitney burst up the middle untouched from 16 yards for a 6-0 lead. Chad Reiminger's extra point was blocked.

After the Eagles punted on their first possession, Jackson marched 68 yards on four plays, Whitney capping the drive with a 37-yard TD run with 4:54 left in the first quarter. The 2-point conversion failed but Jackson led 12-0.

Jackson (4-0) forced Graves County to punt -- twice -- on its next possession, but two special teams penalties kept the Eagle drive alive. The penalties -- an illegal fair catch and roughing the kicker -- ultimately cost the Indians as Graves County receiver Ryan Towery pulled in a 43-yard scoring pass from Sam Brown with a second left in the quarter. Paul Wilkinson's PAT was blocked and Jackson led 12-6.

The points were the first surrendered by the Indians in 11 quarters.

Jackson punted for the first time on its next possession, but used four Whitney runs to cover 61 yards on its following drive. Whitney again went untouched on a 30-yard jaunt and then ran in the conversion run for a 20-6 lead around the 7-minute mark of the second quarter.

Grave County's first drive of the second half ended in a Kyle Newell interception. The Indians capitalized as Brian Austin found Seth McDowell with a 35-yard touchdown pass.

An Eagle fumble then ended in a 7-yard TD run by Gabe Koehler at the 2:50 mark of the third quarter for a 34-6 lead. Another Eagle fumble resulted in a Koehler TD run from 4 yards out for a 41-6 lead. Graves County scored two late touchdowns for the final score.