Northeast Jones beat the incoming rain Friday night in The Jungle. They also beat Newton County 41-7 on Senior Night in their season finale.
Shocking Class 4A last week with a last-minute win over Mendenhall, previously undefeated in Region 5-4A, Northeast Jones ends its adversity stricken season with back-to-back victories.
Head coach Keith Braddock said his team’s finish felt good.
“Make no bones about it, I get it,” said Braddock. “It’s about winning, and I’m the worlds worst about it. I want to win all our games, but the older I get and the more I’m around this team, this is a special year. Not regarding wins and losses, but on the fact that almost every game we went out as the underdogs and fought and played the very best we could and improved each week. It showed by the end of the season.”
Lined up on the 1-yard line of Newton County in the final minute of the game and in position to add one last score, Northeast Jones settled for the victory formation, something Tiger fans have seen little of this year.
“It’s rewarding that our kids bought into their coaches,” added Braddock. “Our seniors have held it together [all season]. We’ve played some good teams for one, and we’ve had a lot of big injuries, but it was good to see our kids stay together and step up. No one ever pointed fingers.
“Going 3-7 is not what we are about, and I hate that we’ve missed the playoff for the first time since I’ve been here, but we have a lot of good things to build off of for next season.”
Getting ahead early
Halfway through the first quarter, Northeast Jones had already built a 14-0 lead.
After junior outside linebacker Karson Broadway intercepted a Newton County pass and returned it to the Cougars 5-yard line, junior back Antonio Hayes put the Tigers up a score on a 5-yard run minutes into the contest.
On Northeast Jones’ following possession, junior Javier “Fafa” Magee extended his team’s lead 14-0 on a 30-plus yard run with 6:49 to go in the first stanza. Magee’s touchdown run along the right edge completed a quick two-play drive that lasted less than a minute.
“You have to get started fast in games like this,” said Braddock. “Newton County is a team with good and tough country kids who are going to compete. They’re not going to quit no matter what their record is.”
After the half, Northeast Jones scored on its first play from scrimmage. Magee hit junior wide-out Jay Jones on a 62-yard catch-and-score to increase the Tigers lead, 27-7.
“I think by having that fast start, and that quick score in the third quarter, we were able to seal the deal,” Braddock added.
Multiple touchdown night
Magee finished the game with three touchdowns, including a 35-yard touchdown run on a quarterback keeper with 7:16 left to play in the third quarter. It was the last score for either team.
Hayes rushed for two scores. His second touchdown was also a 5-yard run. It came early in the third quarter to increase the Tigers lead 34-7 over Newton County.
“Both of them are great players and have come so far from a maturity standpoint,” said Braddock. “They have always had the [athletic] ability. I am so proud of those kids. They’re just two of many that give us a chance to win.”
Season wrap up
With the win, Northeast Jones wraps up the 2017 season with a 3-7 record, 2-3 in Region 5-4A. Newton County ends the season with a loss and finishes 1-10 on the year, and 0-5 in Region 5-4A.
