Patriots rally for victory against rival Volunteers
COLUMBUS – It was the 53rd meeting between Starkville Academy and Heritage Academy on Friday night with the series tied 26-26.
After four quarters, the homesteading Patriots left the field with a 27-18 victory over the Volunteers and 2726 lead on the all-time series.
The Volunteers started strong, jumping out to a 12-0 lead in the first 6 minutes. A blocked PAT followed by a failed two-point conversion limited their scoring advantage, but Starkville Academy seemed comfortable early thanks to a dominant run game. CJ Jackson took the first play from scrimmage for a 70-yard gain, deep into the Patriot red zone. Colby Allen finished out the drive with a 5-yard rushing touchdown just a couple of plays later. Jackson then had a 48-yard scamper for a touchdown.
While his production certainly slowed throughout the game, Vol head coach Chase Nicholson said after the game that Jackson was as important as ever.
“CJ did a great job like he always does,” Nicholson said. “Run the ball hard. Make some big plays, like he always does. Offensive line opened up holes. Randall’s (Futral) legs kept us going and al
lowed us to do a 1-2 punch all night.”
Heritage Academy was finally able to answer late in the first quarter, with a 24-yard rushing touchdown from Jaylan Stewart. After a couple of defensive stops, the Patriots were able to take the lead in the second quarter with a touchdown pass from Mack Howard to Mitchell Woodard. Both PATS were good, and Heritage led 14-12 with 3:45 to play in the first half.
Starkville Academy came roaring back with a long drive culminating in yet another Jackson touchdown run as this one was from 15 yards out with just over a minute left in the half. The Vols once again failed on a two-point conversion, taking an 18-14 lead into the half. That was the last time Starkville Academy was able to put points on the board.
Heritage regained the lead with 4:34 to play in the third quarter, thanks to another touchdown pass from Howard. This one went to Harris Gunter for 9 yards. A successful PAT gave the Patriots a 21-18 lead.
The two teams traded possessions several times, but the game came down to the final drive, when the Vols got the ball back on their own 7-yardline with 2:32 to play. They were unsuccessful in developing any momentum. Heritage was able to seal the deal when Futrall fumbled while scrambling to his left, which was a loose ball that Heritage picked up and returned 28 yards for a touchdown. The PAT was blocked, but Starkville Academy was left down 27-18 with only 11 seconds remaining.
While the rivalry week loss certainly hurts, both Jackson and Nicholson remain confident that the Vols are nowhere near done.
“Everybody loves to beat their rival and win district, but I’d rather get a ring on my finger than win a district championship,” Jackson said.
“Just like last year. We didn’t win the district but still made it to the end. We’ve got a long season ahead of us.”
Nicholson said the team will have to keep getting better if it hopes to make a run.
“Get better this week,” Nicholson said. “Get better on Sunday. We’ve got to get better so we can execute and make run for the playoffs.”
The Volunteers drop to 5-3 this season and miss out on a district championship, but will still have plenty of opportunity to make some noise in the playoffs beginning in two weeks.
Starkville Academy will be back in action next Friday against Jackson Academy at home.