A Comeback Fit For A King; Johnson Rallies Jackson Over Ribault

Paxon HS-In a district showdown, the Andrew Jackson Tigers clawed their way back from the brink of defeat to secure a jaw-dropping comeback victory over the Ribault Trojans. The final score, 26-20, tells only a fraction of the tale of heart, determination, and grit that unfolded on the field.

The Ribault Trojans played host to the Andrew Jackson Tigers in a highly anticipated district matchup. From the very first whistle, it was evident that this was going to be a game to remember.

Andrew Jackson made the first move, with Antwan Hart breaking free from a tackle and dashing into the end zone, putting the Tigers up 6-0. The stadium erupted in cheers, setting the stage for an electrifying contest.

Ribault, however, answered back with a twist. In a bizarre turn of events, Jeremiah Thomas caught a pass from Timothy Cole, only to lose the ball while being tackled. Jahrod Shaw was in the right place at the right time, recovering the ball in the end zone for a Trojan touchdown. Despite the effort, the extra point attempt fell short, leaving the score tied at 6-6 as halftime approached.

The third quarter brought more drama as Ribault’s Timothy Cole connected with Jahrod Shaw on a remarkable pass that sailed over an Andrew Jackson defender. The 2-point conversion was executed to perfection, propelling the Trojans into a 14-6 lead.

Yet, the Tigers refused to back down. King Johnson, showing nerves of steel, launched a precision pass to Brandon Dew, who made a spectacular catch from the back of the end zone. The score was now 14-12, with Ribault still holding a narrow lead.

As the tension mounted, King Johnson once again stepped up for the Tigers. He delivered a perfect throw to Tay’vion Lawson, bringing the score to 20-18, with Ribault still ahead. The two-point conversion was good as Johnson continued his impressive performance, connecting with Malachi Pierce to knot the score at 20-20.

With six minutes left in the fourth quarter, the game hung in the balance. Both defenses, representing Ribault and Andrew Jackson, dug in their heels, refusing to give an inch as time ticked away.

As the clock wound down to a mere ten seconds, the score remained deadlocked at 20-20. Andrew Jackson’s King Johnson, determined and unstoppable, executed a quarterback draw, bulldozing his way into the end zone to give Jackson the lead.

With a miraculous comeback in the final seconds, Andrew Jackson emerged victorious over the Ribault Trojans, with the scoreboard displaying a final score of 26-20. It was a game that reminded us all why we love sports—the unpredictable twists, the unforgettable moments, and the unbeatable spirit of these young athletes.

The Andrew Jackson Tigers celebrated their incredible win with a roar of triumph, while the Ribault Trojans showcased their formidable skills and sportsmanship throughout the hard-fought contest. 

Ribault falls to (3-3) heading into the bye week, before taking on rival Raines (4-1) in the Northwest Classic. Andrew Jackson (2-3) travels to Sandalwood (0-4) next week.

About the author

Asia Maye, proudly hails from the heart of Alabama. As a former athlete she knows what it's like to dream big in a small, rural community where recruiting attention can be scarce. That's why she embarked on her photography journey with a mission in mind to help shed light on the incredible talents hidden in the underexposed corners of the sports world. Helping athletes from all walks of life achieve their dreams of recognition and propel them along their remarkable sports journeys. Through the lens of her camera, she aims to capture the passion, dedication, and raw talent that often goes unnoticed. Believing that every athlete, regardless of their background or hometown, deserves the chance to shine in the spotlight. She is here to tell their stories, one frame at a time.