Jackson plays great host in dominant win against Confluence Prep

Jackson scored on each of its first 10 drives on Friday night, clearing the way for a 70-0 win that never fell into doubt, but it meant just a little bit more for the Indians as they hosted Confluence Prep.

With both programs coming off back-to-back shutout victories, a developing Confluence Prep program came to Jackson for the second consecutive year. Just like last season, Jackson mounted an insurmountable lead early and held on for a big win.

Eight different players scored for the Indians, with four typically being non-starters. The typical trio of Blayne Harris, Jaylon Hampton and Kai Crowe all scored, while senior tight end David Wilburn walked in for his first touchdown in the red and black, much to his teammates' celebration.

After scoring on the first four drives, Jackson put in its second-string talent and left the rest of the game to the backups – who scored 42 total points. Bringing in a Confluence Prep team with a much smaller talent pool, Jackson struck big in something of a “tune-up” game.

“This game was all about putting stuff together,” Wilburn said. “We want to make sure we feel confident coming into a tough matchup next week.”

The biggest story of the night, however, came after the game. Last season, then-senior Griffin Horman asked around to see if the visiting Titans could join the Indians in their postgame meal. Jackson’s Tribal Council and some parents involved agreed and gladly hosted the visitors.

Once again, Jackson invited Confluence Prep to join them for a meal after the game. The two sides came together, set together and enjoyed a home-cooked meal after a full 48-minute football game.

“It's just a really cool thing to see,” Jackson athletic director John Martin said. “Two programs coming together from two different areas that normally wouldn't, it's pretty special.”

For the visiting side, having just lost 70-0 after traveling 109 miles down to “The Pit,” the moment of fellowship certainly stuck out.

Too often, the hostility of the game allows players’ emotions to get away from them. Tonight, these two squads came together after a long match and put the game aside.

“I tell them this: it’s bigger than the game, right?” Titans head coach Ron Rutledge said. “In 10 years, these guys could be working together, going to school together. Who knows where the future may lead, so it's best that you come in and have fellowship.

“Let the game die and become friends. It's better this way.”

Jackson’s Kamden Brockmire caught a touchdown pass from quarterback Drew Parsons in the second quarter, one of his four receptions for a game-high 59 yards. Runningback Jason Goodman rushed six times for 45 yards and two scores.

Sophomore quarterback Nolan Bartels, coming in as a third-stringer, finishes as Jackson’s leading rusher with 67 yards. Parsons followed close behind with 59 and a rushing touchdown, while Hampton racked up 56 on the ground before being sidelined in the second quarter.

Fox finished as the leading passer for Jackson, going 4/7 for 61 yards with three touchdowns. Parsons had 50 yards and a passing score, while Bartels’ one pass went for 27 yards.

The Jackson defense dominated once again, allowing just 91 total yards on an average of 1.5 yards allowed per play. While not forcing the Titans into a turnover, the unit notched its third consecutive shutout.

The last time the Indians had three straight regular-season shutouts: 1994. Jackson’s scoreless streak now stands at nearly 200 minutes entering a big matchup with Holt at home. With senior night festivities, the Indians will look to defend “The Pit” next time out.

“We're feeling pretty confident, honestly,” Jackson defensive lineman Reid Landers said. “We’ve got to work hard this week in practice. We can't let up anything, especially coming off these past three games that haven’t been very competitive games. I think that if we work hard, we can really get after them.”