H.S. FOOTBALL: Eagles win defensive battle

SELMER – A missed extra point would prove to be fatal to McNairy Central against Jackson Christian on Friday night as the Eagles came away with the win, 7 – 6.

For Jackson Christian head coach Todd Roland it all came down to defense.

“We knew they played solid defense,” he said. “They’re a good defensive team and they outweigh us on the line by sixty pounds a man, so we knew we would struggle early but our defense did its job.”

Developing the defense has been a theme for Roland in his first year as head coach at JC, and to him this game was another step in the right direction.

“I’m an old defensive coordinator so I love defensive games,” Roland said. “Defense is always where you have to start when you build a solid program, and that’s where we were at tonight, but it’s definitely been a process this whole year.

“The last couple of games we only lost by six points, and the game against TCA we held them back pretty well, so it’s developing.”

Jackson Christian went on the board just minutes into the game with a five yard touchdown run by Miles Humphreys.

McNairy Central answered immediately, grinding its way down the field to score on a fourth and goal play from the eleven yard line, passing to Bryant James for the touchdown.

Unfortunately for the Bobcats, the subsequent extra point attempt would sail wide left, ending the first quarter with McNairy trailing, 7 – 6.

What followed was three quarters of defensive grit from both teams, as series after series ended in punts.

The Bobcats were bolstered by outstanding defensive performances from several payers, including Junior Trayvon McClendon. With the second quarter winding down, McClendon single-handedly stopped the Eagle advance into field goal range with two back to back open field solo tackles, keeping the Bobcats in striking distance at halftime.

Despite the efforts of its defense, McNairy’s offense would still have a troubled second half, giving up two turnovers on fumbles and botching a punt attempt to give the Eagles the ball on the Bobcat 42.

Jackson Christian’s offense fared no better, missing opportunities and failing to capitalize on the momentum shifts.

Roland was pleased nonetheless, excited to move on to Adamsville next week.

“It’s going to be a great game,” he said. “It’s not often that you get to play two of the top teams in the state in the same season.

“It’s a great opportunity.”