Jackets Beat Jarrell; Go to 8-0
Photos Courtesy of Kimmie McKinney Photography
Jarrell, TX–In a game of unbeaten opponents, the upstart Jarrell Cougars proved that they were worthy of their top ten ranking. However, the top ranked team in the state showed why they have their ranking as well. A dominant second half propelled the Jackets to a 42-20 victory. It also put a strangle hold on the 12-4A district championship.
The Cougars took the opening kick and scored on a 13 play, 75 yard drive. It took almost nine and a half minutes off the clock. It was picture perfect for the Slot T offense. Keep the ball away from the opponent and score points. Stephenville would get its first possession late in the first quarter and would score on a drive that included three first downs converted on third down. It was 7-7 a few minutes into the second quarter. Both teams would get the ball only once more in the first half and both would score touchdowns. It was 14-14 going into the intermission.
Stephenville would get the ball to start the second half and would move down the field with precision. The Jackets would take their first lead of the game 21-7. The War Dog Defense would shine next as Jarrell’s first possession of the third quarter saw them facing a fourth and one from their own side of the field. The Cougars elected to go for it. Jacket Sophomore Ethan Schindler would time the snap count perfectly and jump the gap to throw down the Jarrell running back in the backfield. The celebration was on.
Jarrell had been averaging near 400 yards rushing per game on the season and had just come off of a win over Lampasas in which they ran for over 500 yards. The Stephenville defense would hold them to 141 yards rushing and no Cougar had more than 51 yards. Another trend continued for the War Dogs. Stephenville shut down Jarrell in the second half. The Cougars had less than 100 yards of offense in the second half and only scored six points. The Jackets are only giving up 5.5 points per game in the second halves.
The Stephenville offense continued its dominance. The Jackets had the ball for six possessions and scored touchdowns on all six. Stephenville was able to score on both quick-threat big plays and running game ball control. The last two possessions of the contest were almost exclusively running as the offensive line completely wore down the Jarrell defense.
Quarterback Trot Jordan would throw the ball 11/19 for 259 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. He would also have his best running game of the season going for 60 yards. Caleb Gleason would continue to shine in his new role as the starting running back. He had 87 yards on 17 carries for an average of 5.1 per run. Carter VanZandt would be the short yardage specialist on the evening as he had 5 carries that included three touchdowns.
The Jackets only had two receivers haul in passes and both were impressive. Caden Monk received six throws for 111 yards. One of those catches was the “circus catch of the night” in which he high pointed a ball over the Jarrell defender. The ball thrown by Jordan was in the air for 60 yards. Austin Jergins continued his torrid streak of touchdowns as he had two more Friday night with his 5 catches and 148 yards. He now has 12 touchdowns through eight games.
Next up for the 8-0 Jackets is Senior Night back at Art Briles Field. Stephenville will host Burnet who is 1-7 on the season. With a win on Friday, the Jackets will wrap up the district championship.