JEFFERSON — Jackson County football had several opportunities to let Friday's showdown with Hart County slip away.
But the Panthers were too focused to let go of the opportunity, and after trailing for most of the contest, Jackson County scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to seal a 18-14 victory over the Bulldogs in Jefferson.
It was the Panthers' first-ever win over Hart County.
"They kept fighting the whole game regardless of the situation. They were doing what needed to do at the time and weren't focused on the outcome, just on playing each play," said Jackson County coach Brandon Worley. "We just told them to keep playing, keep fighting and some good things happened."
Trailing 14-6, the Panthers (3-5, 2-1 Region 8-AAA) turned the game's momentum with an 88-yard interception return for a touchdown, as junior Seth Caylor snagged a Bulldogs pass and took it the distance with 9:39 remaining. Yet Jackson County could not convert a two-point attempt and still trailed 14-12.
And they continued to trail -- until Caleb Matthews and Zane Corley came up with yet another game-changing play. This time Matthews hurled a 26-yard scoring pass to Corley on third and 18.
The Panthers defense also got in on the act, forcing a turnover on the Bulldogs' next possession in order to seal the victory -- an outcome which vaulted Jackson County into the thick of the playoff race in Region 8-AAA.
Jackson County will take a bye next week before traveling to face East Jackson on Oct. 28.
"Our kids have gotten more focused day-to-day, and I expect practice to be great for the next two weeks," Corley said.
