HOMER — Tyler Wester rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns and threw a touchdown pass to lead Jackson County to a 23-0 shutout victory over Banks County Friday night in both teams' 2018 season openers.
It was the first shutout win for the Panthers (1-0) since beatng White County 17-0 in Week 2 of the 2015 season.
The Jackson County defense, which has looked stout during its scrimmage and now opener, started the scoring getting a safety in the first quarter. Wester then connected with Bo Reeves for an 11-yard touchdown pass on the ensuing possession for a 9-0 lead.
Wester scored the first of his rushing touchdowns on a 22-yard scamper in the second quarter and added a 10-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.
Jackson County next will play host to North Hall on Friday in what figures to be one of the marquee matchups next week. The Trojans (1-0) demolished Chestatee 63-7 in their opener on Friday.
Banks County (0-1) will travel to Franklin County on Friday. The Lions (0-1) dropped a 13-3 decision to Stephens County in their opener.
