Jackson County pushes past East Hall challenge, 31-6

RABBITTOWN -- It didn't come easy, but Jackson County football got exactly what it needed on Friday night -- a victory.<br /> <br /> East Hall fought hard throughout but could not dig itself out of a 24-0 first half hole, as the Panthers rolled to a 31-6 victory in Rabbittown -- their first of the season.<br /> <br /> "We needed that; we needed to have some momentum going into the region season, and we generated a lot of positives tonight," Jackson County coach Benji Harrison said. "We've overcome a lot of adversity this season, and we've been so close before and the kids kept believing. And now we need to keep this going."<br /> <br /> The Panthers' goal moving forward? Bottle their second quarter performance and use it for the rest of the season.<br /> <br /> Jackson County (1-3) exploded for 24 points in the 12 minutes before halftime, taking control of the contest via offense, defense and special teams.<br /> <br /> "There were a lot of things we can build off (in the second quarter)," Harrison said. "The offense played really well early."<br /> <br /> That included quarterback Jacob Lewis, as the signal caller completed 11 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns in the first half -- both TDs coming in the second quarter. For the game Lewis finished 15 of 24 for 154 yards, with two scores and two interceptions.<br /> <br /> "He played like we know he can early," Harrison said of Lewis. "We really played well up front too. (Lewis) wasn't as happy in the second half, but (East Hall) did a good job, especially on that first interception