J.Z. George second-year coach Dustin Alford was not disappointed in his team’s effort and determination in the Jaguars’ season-opening 28-22 loss at Ethel High School last Friday night.
“We had a legitimate shot to win this game at the end,” said Alford. “We went in front 22-20 in the fourth quarter, and Ethel went down the field and scores late to take a 28-22 lead. We get the ball with under two minutes to go. We drive down to their 30-yard line with just a few seconds left on the clock. Our quarterback, Josh Fleming, rolled around and took off running. He had one man to beat when he got tackled. He was so close to breaking away for the game-tying touchdown. If we score and get the conversion, we win it or at least send it to overtime with the touchdown.
“We shot ourselves in the foot in the first half. I feel like we lost this game, they didn’t win it. We gave them way too much stuff. We had to waste some time outs to fix some formations on offense, and that cost us. We’ve got to clean up some things this week, primarily on offense. We are moving a few personnel around. We also need to do a better job of relaying the plays in to the offense. We need to be better organized.”
Ethel led 12-8 after the first period and 20-8 at the half. The Jaguars made it 20-16 by the end of the third before taking a brief lead in the fourth period.
Fleming finished 10-of-12 for 128 yards and one touchdown. He had 21 yards on 11 carries with one 2-point conversion run.
Nehemiah Williams gained 50 yards and scored a touchdown on 10 carries. Baron Williams rushed for 37 yards on 12 totes and a 2-point conversion run, and Justin Weatherall had 48 yards receiving and a TD on two catches. Javonte Crowder had three receptions for 42 yards, and Shamarion Applewhite had two catches for 30 yards and 16 yards rushing on three carries.
Weatherall also intercepted a pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. He finished with four tackles, a pass breakup and two pass deflections.
Jemarus Yates led the defense with eight solo tackles and one assist, and Nehemiah Williams had seven solos and an assist. Arrick Green had five solos and three assists, and Demarion McGee had four solos and two assists. Applewhite had three solos, one assist, intercepted one pass, deflected two passes and broke up one pass.
The Jaguars return to action Friday as they entertain West Bolivar at 7 p.m. in North Carrollton at Farris Jenkins Stadium.
West Bolivar opened its season with a 16-8 loss to Lakeside High School, which is in Lake Village, Arkansas.
“We got our first win last year against West Bolivar in a very hard-fought battle,” said Alford. “We need to keep our composure against them. They have athletes all over the field, and I’m sure they will have a chip on their shoulder after last season.”
