North Jackson fell 42-19 to South Pittsburg (Tenn.) last Friday in the “Border Battle” matchup at Beene Stadium. The Chiefs struck first, capturing an early lead in the first quarter with quarterback Nick Jernigan rushing for a 53-yard touchdown. Wesley Peton’s point after made it 7-0. Late in the frame, Taja Robinson rushed for 20 yards to get the Pirates inside the 10-yard line. Kam Wellington connected with Starkey for a 4-yard touchdown pass, and a successful 2-point conversion put the Pirates ahead 8-7. As the two teams continued battling, with over a minute and a half left in the frame, the Pirates extended their lead 15-7, with Wellington finding Jayden Mount for an 18-yard pass. The play set up South Pittsburg for a touchdown pass to Racash Kelly a few plays later and a good point after. The Pirates led 15-7 at the half. Early in the third, the Chief rallied as Jernigan recovered a Robinson fumble and three plays later connected with Nick Price Jr entering the end zone with a13-yard reception. A failed 2-point conversion cut the score 15-13. South Pittsburg answered with a Jayden Mount 87-yard touchdown reception. Jacob Bivens’ PAT made it 22-13. Despite the deficit, North Jackson continued its offensive efforts adding another touchdown in the fourth quarter. Although the 2-point conversion failed, the Chief narrowed the gap 22-19. The Pirates sealed their win with Wellington’s unleashed a 34-yard touchdown pass to Kelly, a 50-yard TD pass to Jace Stone, and a 15-yard to Mount. Jernigan led the Chief offense with 123 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. He also completed 8 of 17 pass attempts for 85 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Hold finished with 73 rushing yards on 12 carries. Wellington went 17-for-30 passing for South Pittsburg. Kelly and Mount combined for 12 receptions for 283 yards and four touchdowns. Starkey and Stone finished with 12 receptions for 283 yards and two touchdowns. North Jackson (1-4) looks to bounce back as they travel to New Hope (3-2) for a Class 4A, Region 8 matchup on Friday. The two last met in 2021, ending with a Chief 48-7 victory.
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