Jacksonville Fl- Senior quarterback Jalen Sonnier came to Jackson his freshman year focused on turning the program around with his play. He had several options to go to programs that already had pieces in place, or ones that had winning traditions. Yet he chose Jackson who hadn’t had a winning season since 2010. Well, after three straight years of sub .500 records for the Tigers, a 44-14 win over Episcopal on homecoming night ensured that Jackson would reach at least 5 wins on the season. Achieving their first winning record in over a decade.
Sonnier came into the game focused and it showed early. The 6’1, 180 pound quarterback got the scoring started when he rushed in for touchdown in the first quarter, giving Jackson an early lead. Jackson would increase their lead to 12-0, when running back Fred Gaines would scored a touchdown on a short run in the first quarter to erupt the homecoming crowd.
Episcopal would respond on the ensuing drive. At 5-2 on the season, the Eagles have used big plays all season to score. They finally got a chance to showcase that big play ability when quarterback River Penland hit wide receiver Parker Chappell for a touchdown. They would hook up twice in the game for scores.
Leading 12-7, Jackson wouldn’t let up, keeping their foot on the gas. Big stops by linebacker Grayson Howard gave the ball back to the Tigers. Sonnier would turn it into a score hitting a swing pass to Gaines and the talented junior would do the rest, racing 30-yards for the touchdown.
Sonnier once again dazzled the homecoming crowd hitting passes down field on second quarter drive. He culminated it with a touchdown run for six increasing Jackson’s lead to 26-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Brian Hook would set the tone intercepting a pass. The turnover led to another Sonnier touchdown pass as Jackson led 32-7.
Khalil Francis of Jackson closed out the effort on defense when he intercepted the pass and raced for a pick 6. Jackson and their fans celebrated and partied in the parking lot for homecoming as Jackson won the game 44-14. Jackson improves to 5-3 on the season with two very winnable games against West Nassau and Ribault. For Head Coach Christopher Foy, it’s a testament to his hard work and the players buying in to his winning philosophy.
