Friday Night's matchup between Forrest County Ag. and Northeast Jones was nothing short of a defensive slugfest between two run-first teams.
The game couldn't have started any slower. Both teams struggled to get anything going offensively, and the game remained scoreless through most of the first half. The Aggies were the first to threaten near the end of the half but turned the ball over on downs. The Tigers capitalized with a long drive capped off by a Jason Garcia field goal to give the Tigers the first lead of the night with six seconds left in the half. However, the Aggies quickly bounced back as Justin Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 85 yards to give Forrest County Agricultural the lead and the momentum.
"That was huge. We really worked kickoffs this week. Justin stepped up. He saw his opportunity, and he went, and it changed the game."
The second half started much like the first with both defenses controlling the game. Neither team was able to score in the third quarter. Midway through the fourth, the Aggies were able to string a drive together. Evan Clark connected with Dakota Evans on a deep pass down the sideline. Evans then found Williams for a 16-yard touchdown to extend the lead to 14-3.
Kam'ron Norwood celebrates after stopping a potential Tigers touchdown.Â
The Aggie defense was in control all night, limiting the Tigers to just 109 total yards. The defensive effort was led by the Aggies defensive line, who controlled the run game and kept the pressure on the quarterback.
Coach Brad Calcote was especially proud of his defensive line.
"We have a lot of guys that play hard, and I don't want to sell anyone short, but we really preach to our defensive line that the line is the difference. Disrupt and go be a factor."
Momentum Change:
Northeast Jones seemed to have captured the momentum by scoring a late field goal before halftime, but Just Williams returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown capturing the lead and the momentum going into halftime.
Player of the Game:
Justin Williams contributed on offense and special teams scoring the only two touchdowns of the game.
Quote of the Night:
"Little things build pyramids. Little things turn into huge things. I'm proud that our guys were able to pile up enough little things to find a way when it counted." - Brad Calcote, FCAHS head coach
