North Jackson Earns Homecoming Win Over Indians
By Cinthia Rico
STEVENSON – Perseverance and determination paid off for the Chiefs Friday night as they secured a homecoming victory and their first win of the season.
“I am really proud of the coaches who put together a great game plan. It’s nice to see it all come together,” said North Jackson Head Coach Joe Hollis. “The guys played for each other and as a team, and I am really proud of them – that’s exactly what you want to see on homecoming night.”
North Jackson’s second-half comeback powered the Chiefs to a 36-20 Region 8 win over New Hope at R. D. Hicks Stadium.
With 11 of 17 completions for 165 yards and a touchdown, Jonathan Linderman led the Chiefs in passing.
Diego Holt rushed 20 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns on the ground, while Linderman carried the ball seven times for 106 yards and two scores, and Garrett Little carried the ball twice for 27 yards.
Tyler Brown had four receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown on the receiving end, and Nick Price Jr. had six for 70 yards.
The Chief finished with 508 total yards, 165 passing yards, and 343 rushing yards.
North Jackson’s Tyler Brown (3) and Draygun Cash celebrate a Chief touchdown in 36-20 win over New Hope.
Despite a scoreless first half, there was a lot of movement on both sides of the field in the second half.
An up-the-middle touchdown run by the Indians gave them the lead early in the third quarter. Linderman responded with a scoring run of 39 yards.
Dawson Cambron picked up a 16-yard touchdown pass to further New Hopes’ lead 14-6. Upping the ante, the Chiefs advanced for a first down against the Indians, and Tyler Brown took advantage of the drive by connecting with Linderman for a 52-yard touchdown throw.
At halftime, the Chiefs trailed by two.
During the final quarter, North Jackson’s offense exploded, with Holt scoring on a 25-yard touchdown run and then connecting with Nick Price Jr. for the go-ahead 2-point conversion, giving the Chiefs a 20-14 lead.
As they continued to gain ground, Linderman added his final touchdown run from 53 yards out, and at 4:19, Holt broke free for an 83-yard touchdown run. Brown’s 2-point conversion made the score 36-14. New Hope closed scoring with an 11-yard touchdown pass for a 36-20 final.
“You’re just proud to see guys continue to grow and get the success that they’ve worked really hard for,” Hollis said of his players.
North Jackson (1-5, 1-3) continues regional play on the road against Priceville (4-3, 4-0) this week at Bulldog Stadium in Decatur.
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