COMMERCE, Ga. – In a game that was more defensive than most thought it would be, East Jackson found a way to knock off Commerce for a second straight year, beating the Tigers, 21-14.
After a scoreless first half, the Eagles were first to score with 5:37 to go in the third. Jamarion Parks punched it in from three yards out to get on the board, capitalizing on a Commerce turnover.
The Tigers answered early in the fourth quarter when East Jackson attempted a fake punt, and JJ Jarrells intercepted the pass and returned it 55 yards to tie the game. The Eagles answered immediately, though, as Drew Richardson ran right side and in from eight yards out to take a 13-7 lead.
Moments later, East Jackson forced a fumble, and Ryan Lampe rushed in from 52 yards out on the scoop-and-score that pushed the score to 21-7 after the successful two-point try.
Commerce didn't go quietly as Layden Bryson followed his blockers to rush in from six yards out with four minutes to go, but a late fourth-down conversion by the Eagles was enough to keep the ball and run the clock out.
The Eagles will return home next week to host Dawson County, while Commerce will continue a three-game homestand with a matchup against Luella.
