DANIELSVILLE — Jackson County used turnovers and a strong run game to storm to a 48-23 comeback win over Madison County in the Panthers' season opener on Friday in Danielsville.
The Panthers (1-0) scored 35 straight points in the second half, pouncing on two Madison County fumbles in the process, to help give new head coach Brandon Worley a victory in his first game in charge.
"The guys really stepped up," Worley said. "We challenged them at the half, and once we started rolling we got the momentum, and it was amazing. I think this created some belief within the players. They already had a bond with the coaches, and this just helps build on that."
Trailing 17-6, Jackson County's Malik Tuck scored twice in the third quarter, while Chris Griggs also added a touchdown run and Easton Tuggle converted a field goal attempt to give the Panthers full control of the contest.
Jackson County quarterback Jace Latty, who came on for injured starter Caleb Matthews, then hooked up with Griffin McElvery for a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter before Noah Venable added a two-yard touchdown run to make it 41-17. Cole Alford also had a 60-yard kickoff return for a score after Madison County scored with just 38 seconds remaining.
Tuggle drilled three field goals on the night (32, 37 and 35 yards).
Jackson County travels to face White County next Friday.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2015/8/332485/jackson-county-notches-comeback-win-in-worleys-first-game-in-charge