JEFFERSON -- East Jackson snapped a five-game losing and in the process kept its playoff chances alive with a 21-14 win over Jackson County Friday night.
East Jackson (3-6, 1-3 Region 8-AAA) can clinch its first playoff berth since 2009 with a win over Hart County and a Jackson County (3-6, 2-2) loss to region-leading Morgan County next week. A Jackson County win or an East Jackson loss would put the Panthers in the playoffs.
The Eagles trailed 6-0 early but rallied to grab the lead in the first half and never trailed again.
East Jackson did not commit a turnover for the first time this season and the defensive unit, led by linebacker Nathan Elrod, defensive linemen Cody Robinson and Austin Thomas, and defensive back Xavier Clark helped ground a good Jackson County rushing attack.
“It was probably our best game from start to finish all season, East Jackson coach Christian Hunnicutt said. “It was a tough, physical game against a great opponent.”
Neither team piled up a lot of yardage as both defenses were tough.
Eagles quarterback Josh Adair was just 3-for-11 for 24 yards passing but managed 66 yards and three touchdowns. Trey Smith had 55 yards rushing on 9 carries. Sanquan Niles forced a fumble and had a fumble recovery on defense for East Jackson.
