Sports
Jackson Backfield Pushes Past Bexley
By: Griffin Ratcliffe
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Anyone would’ve thought after giving up 275 rushing yards to Grandview, No. 5 Bexley would put a circle around stopping a Jackson backfield which accumulated over 2,500 yards during the regular season.
It only got worse on Friday. The No. 4 Jackson Ironmen piled on 475 yards and six touchdowns on the ground to cruise to a 49-14 win in their opening playoff game.
Not only did the Ironmen pile on the yards, they ran efficiently. Jackson carried the ball 47 times, giving it an eye-popping 10.1 yard per rush average. Raymon Potter contributed only 61 of those yards, but scored four touchdowns.
Name the area of the field, Jackson exploited it. Jackson’s offensive line was quick to open up running lanes both up the middle and along the edges for a slew of rushers. Even quarterback Hunter Sexton got in on the blocking action, in addition to piling on 119 yards and 12 rushes.
As dominant as Jackson’s offense looked, its defense looked even better, largely thanks to strong special teams play. Jackson punter Codey Roseberry twice pinned Bexley inside of its own 20, making life that much more difficult for Bexley’s offense.
As for Bexley’s punt team, it couldn’t get off the field. With the exception of one scoring drive, the Lions punted on every possession in the first half and struggled just as much in the second.
Getting off to a quick start has become somewhat of a staple for Jackson this season and Friday was no exception. Jackson jumped out to a 28-0 lead before Bexley could muster up its first touchdown just before the half.
The Ironmen have allowed only seven points in the first quarter all season.
All of Bexley’s players weren’t under the rug, however. Running back Micah Fliegel rushed for 152 yards and scored once.
Quarterback Simon Kroos was held up in the backfield all game. On a crucial third down conversion, with Bexley trailing 21-0 in the second and in need of a score, Potter, a linebacker at this point, sacked Kroos and forced another three-and-out for the Lions. Kroos would finish with 10 yards rushing.
Jackson will take on No. 8 Bishop Watterson on Friday.