Jackson Closes In On Conference Title With Win Over Miami Trace
By: Darayus Sethna, Zack Mothersbaugh
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Washington Court House, Ohio (WOUB) — Two conference teams battled in a game that would determine the division champ. Both teams came out of the gate hot, in an attempt to claim their title.
The Miami Trace Panthers hosted the Jackson Ironmen with both teams undefeated in conference play, and something had to give.
Two long drives opened this game, which resulted in a touchdown for both teams, but it would be all Jackson from there. The Ironmen would go on to run away with a 49-14 win.
Miami Trace got the ball first and took a long march all the way down the field that was capped off with a tight throw from quarterback Weston Melvin to wideout Ashton Conell on a slant route.
That would be it for the Panthers in the first half, as the Ironmen caught fire. Jackson scored a touchdown on four straight drives to open the first half, a streak that was only broken by an interception by Ashton Conell at the very end of the first half.
The streak started on a contested catch by running back Cade Wolford who was able to turn around and finish off the 32-yard catch in the endzone. Jackson would take to the air on the next two drives too with quarterback Jacob Winters. One was on a 60-yard, double move touchdown to wideout Tristan Prater down the right sideline that put the Ironmen up 14-7. Then the Winters to Wolford connection sparked again, this time to an open Cade Wolford for a 53-yard touchdown.
It took until they were leading 21-7 in the second quarter for Jackson to need to set up in the red zone. This drive also resulted in a touchdown for Jacob Winters, but this one was on the ground from two yards out.
Jackson didn’t stop their scoring in the first half, as they were able to cruise to a 49-14 win and take firm control of the FAC.
After the Ironmen gave up a touchdown on the first drive, they forced four consecutive punts, and scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives. The defense was able to quickly adapt to the Panthers’ running game and started playing in the Miami trace backfield. On top of that, Jackson put the game on the arm of Jacob Winters, and he delivered. With three touchdown throws of 30 plus yards, it was rare to see Winters miss an open man. With the offense and defense clicking, this was a very smooth win for the Ironmen
The Jackson Ironmen (7-2, 4-0) will look to finish their sweep of the FAC against the Chillicothe Cavaliers (5-3, 3-1) next week. As the Miami Trace Panthers (6-3. 3-1) will try to get back to their winning ways next week against the Washington Court House Blue Lions (4-4, 2-1).