After having lost a blowout in their previous game against North Oconee, Clarke Central was happy to have turned things around on Friday. They took down the Jackson County Panthers 27-11. That's more bragging rights for the Gladiators, who also won the pair's last head-to-head.
Leading Clarke Central to victory were Corey Watkins Jr and Hezekiah Millender. Watkins Jr rushed for 203 yards and a touchdown while picking up 10.2 yards per carry, while Millender rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Watkins Jr was no stranger to the big play, taking off on a dash that went for 63 yards.
Clarke Central was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 335 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've posted since back in October of 2023.
Clarke Central's defense was in the mix too, especially the secondary: they snagged two passes before it was all said and done. The picks came courtesy of Barry Jones and Da'Rod Hester. Another thorn in Jackson County's side was Anthony Lonon Jr, who picked up a sack and made eight total tackles (2.0 for loss).
Jackson County's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Caden Daniels, who picked up 116 receiving yards and a touchdown. Jackson County also got a significant boost from Daylan Maxwell, who ran away from the competition to the tune of 81 yards.
Clarke Central's victory ended a five-game drought on the road dating back to last season and puts them at 3-2. As for Jackson County, their defeat dropped their record down to an identical 3-2.
Both squads are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Clarke Central will host Apalachee at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Clarke Central is facing Apalachee at the right time seeing as Apalachee is stuck on a three-game losing streak. As for Jackson County, they will be playing at home against Alcovy at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. That game will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Maxwell and Nick Slidell.
Article generated by infoSentience based on data entered on MaxPreps
