Antonio Hayes spared a moment of honesty Friday night.
“It’s just amazing,” said Hayes. “A few years ago I came out here and quit [the team]. My coaches told me they would not going to give up on me. They pushed me to my full potential, and I just want to thank them for that.”
He did so with his performance and did so at a position that was only given to him this past Monday. With the previous four running backs out, most with season-ending injuries, Hayes was given the responsibility on Monday.
His two rushing touchdown performance helped Northeast Jones earn its first ‘W’ of the season.
The Tigers defeated Bay Springs 27-21 to improve to 1-4 on the year.
Back-up quarterback Javier Magee and wide receiver Jay Jones helped too. Magee and Jones connected twice on TD passes of 48 and 74 yards. Both TD’s happened in the first half.
“I have to give credit to our [offensive] line,” said Magee after the win. “They showed up tonight. They did their thing, and my receivers ran some crispy routes. I have to hand it to them.”
“Antonio and Magee are gamers,” said NEJ head coach Keith Braddock. “I’m just real proud of them. I’m really proud of how far both of them have come with their attitudes.
“Physical, they can do it. But I am proud of them mentally and how far they have come. Both are great players, and they have turned out to be great young men. I love coaching kids like that, guys that start out on rocky roads and you’re able to help turn them around.”
The night started out rocky. Northeast Jones fumbled on its first two possessions.
“We both turned the ball over a bit,” added Braddock. “I’m not proud of that. We need to get that fixed. But if we don’t turn the ball over like we did a few times tonight, I think we could have put the game away early.”
The Tigers lead 21-0 at the half.
Bay Springs turnover mishaps helped, including a bad pass that landed in the hands of senior NEJ linebacker Tyreece Hudson. Hudson returned his pick to Bay Springs’ 24-yard line. It led to a Hayes two-yard TD run to give NEJ a 13-0 lead after a blocked PAT. A 22-yard pass from Magee to Hayes set up the two-yard dash in the end zone.
“Our kids made plays when it counted,” Braddock said. “And we got room to get better.”
Hudson also scooped up a Bay Springs fumble in the late in the second quarter.
“I came out here tonight with the intensity to win,” said Hudson. “We had a good week of practice. As far as my pick, I just knew I had to stay in my coverage. Coach told me to stay back and make sure they don’t pass. So I did. I caught the ball and did my job. I just thank God for the win.”
Bay Springs rallied in the third quarter with two unanswered TD’s, both on rushes from junior Jamarious Hosey. The Bulldogs trailed NEJ 21-14 to start the final stanza.
But Northeast Jones, after being shutdown in the third period, answered on the following drive. Hayes ran to the right, found a crease and dashed 22-yards downfield for the score. The PAT was no good.
Bay Springs added a score late in the fourth to draw within six, and in the final minute tried to win the game. Northeast Jones sealed the game on the last playing, intercepting a Bulldog pass in the end zone as time expired.
“I tell you what, we have played some good teams,” said Braddock. “I hope we are ready [for region play]. I hate that we have injuries like we do, but this upcoming off week comes at a great time.
“But I think if we go play well in division, we are going to give ourselves a chance.”
Northeast Jones travels to Northeast Lauderdale on Sept. 29 to begin Region 5-4A action. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
Note: Final stats will be added soon.
