Jackson relishes win over Jeff City, prepares for Central

Jackson's regular-season victory Friday was not your run-of-the-mill win.

"We're still getting calls and e-mails from alumni, congratulating us," Jackson football coach Carl Gross said Monday.

The 21-14 win came against against Jefferson City, the state's most successful high school program. And it spoiled the Jays' homecoming, making Jackson only the second team in 60 years to beat the Jays on their homecoming.

"It was just a special night," Gross said. "It was as thrilling victory as I've had, and that goes back to the semifinal games we played in '94 and '95.

"We've got to build on it," he added, "but we want to get this thing behind us."

Jackson, 3-2 after its second consecutive win, has a short week of preparation for Thursday's game with rival Central.

Still, the Indians can't help but have a little extra spring in their steps after knocking off the Jays.

The Indians didn't realize they were being served up as the homecoming opponent for the 10-time state champions until they arrived at Adkins Stadium.

"They told us there would be an extended halftime and we saw all the floats," Gross said. "To be real honest, the kids were quiet and loose at the same time. Sometimes they don't understand the history of programs. The coaches, we were scared to death."

Even moreso when the Jays stopped Jackson on the opening drive and then drove 49 yards in six plays for a touchdown on their first drive.

Jackson netted just 31 yards of offense in the first half, but went to the locker room tied 7-7. A blocked punt by Michael Wood at Jeff CIty's 3-yard line set up Joel Penrod's 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

"We made some adjustments in our blocking schemes," Gross said, "and came out in the second half and scored two touchdowns before they had a first down."

Penrod, who finished with 133 yards on 33 carries, scored again on a 37-yard run and quarterback Rex Meyr added a 30-yard run.

"Joel will be the first to tell you the offensive line earned their merit badge that night," Gross said. "On defense, we looked like a herd of buffalo stampeding. It was a total team effort."

Gross said the play of the special teams and a turnover-free outing by the offense kept Jeff City at a disadvantage in the battle for field position.

"That was huge," Gross said. "Our defensive coaches had a great plan and we basically shut down their option. When we did that, it forced them to do things they weren't used to doing."

The result was something Jeff City also isn't used to - a loss.

"I was really proud," Gross said. "The only people who thought we were going to win were the people on the yellow buses when they pulled up. No one else gave us a chance."