Sports

Jackson Ends Athens’ Historic Season


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A chilly fall night set the stage for a first round playoff battle between the Athens Bulldogs and Jackson Ironmen. Both Jackson and Athens came into tonight’s matchup coming off undefeated seasons, and were looking to keep their winning streaks alive.

Early on in the contest, play started relatively slow. Drives were stalling, and the offenses were not clicking until the closing seconds of the first half. Jackson quarterback Austin Osborne, player of the year candidate, used his legs and gave his team a 7-0 lead after a 97 yard touchdown run. Jackson went into half with a 7-0 lead.

As the second half started, Jackson looked to build off their momentum from the first half. A consistent Jackson drive ended with Jackson’s Drew Ervin punching it in from one yard out, putting the Ironmen up 14-0. But Jackson wasn’t finished in the quarter.

Athens’ defense could not handle the running attack and the two-headed monster of Ervin and Osborne. And although Osborne is the POY candidate, Ervin stole the show tonight. Later in the third quarter on 3rd and 6, Ervin pounded it in from 19 yards out putting the Ironmen up 21-0. Athens tried to get things going with their offense, but they couldn’t handle Jackson’s defensive pressure, and their powerful offensive line.

Jackson still wasn’t finished in this game, Drew Ervin scores once again on a 71 yard run making the score 27-0. Athens determined not to be shutout at home hands the ball off to Michael Germano who takes it 32 yards for the score making the score 27-7. Athens in one last effort kicks an onside kick, but is recovered by the Ironmen who from there ran out the clock. The final score from R. Basil Rutter Field was 27-7 in favor of the Jackson Ironmen. Next week Jackson will take on the winner of John Alder and Logan Elm.