Football Recap: Jacksonville Starts Season with Victory at Home

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Previous Games

08/22/25 - Home	43-24 W
11/15/24 - Home	54-0 W
10/01/24 - Away	21-10 W
09/08/23 - Home	35-8 W
09/09/22 - Away	49-3 W
+ 5 more games

Jacksonville gave their fans exactly what they wanted out of a home opener on Friday. They strolled past the West Carteret Patriots with points to spare, taking the game 43-24. The win continues a trend for the Cardinals in their matchups with the Patriots: they've now won six in a row.

Amaree Betton was nothing short of spectacular: he rushed for 108 yards and a pair of scores on only six carries. His longest rush was for an impressive 57 yards, which helps to explain his lofty yards per carry total. Speaking of playmakers, who could forget Jessie James, who went all the way with a kickoff return for a touchdown.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Jacksonville was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 265 rushing yards. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as West Carteret only rushed for 160 rushing yards.

Special teams also deserves some recognition, posting 17 points in total. The biggest highlight from special teams (and perhaps the team as a whole) came courtesy of Yondez Baker, who ran a kickoff back for a touchdown.

West Carteret lost despite a true team effort on offense. The best among them was Tanner Payne, who threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns, and also punched in one TD on the ground. Joshua Bauman helped Payne out on the ground, rushing for 144 yards, while also picking up 85 receiving yards.

Jacksonville wasted no time getting back out on the field and has already played their next contest, a 48-27 victory against Northside - Jacksonville on the 29th. As for West Carteret, they have also already played their next match, a 48-20 win against East Carteret on the 29th.