September 29, 2018
Matthew Fuller
Jim Evancho
As the Jacksonville stadium filled, both sides of the field were full of supporters and fans eager to watch these two power teams defend their undefeated ranking. After the pregame warm-ups by the teams, the Jacksonville Golden Eagles Marching Band took the field to perform their show that usually occurs during halftime. The schedule was changed this evening due to the homecoming program that is to be held during halftime. As the band concluded their show and began to depart the field the cheer squad set up the spirit line to receive the Jacksonville Golden Eagles football team entrance.
During the coin toss Piedmont won the call and deferred to Jacksonville who chose to be offense first. The teams took their places on the field and the kickoff began the game. Jacksonville was able to secure a 1st down on Piedmont’s ten yard line setting them up inside the red zone. At 9:27 in the first quarter, #4 Ron Wiggins scored Jacksonville’s first touchdown. The two point conversion attempt failed but the Eagles were on the board 6-0.
The second quarter began with a game of tug-of-war until Ron Wiggins scored another touchdown for the Jacksonville Eagles with 8:52 remaining on the clock. The Eagles again attempted a two point conversion but was unsuccessful keeping the score at 12-0 during second quarter. With 1:20 remaining on the clock during 2nd quarter Piedmont Bulldogs ended Jacksonville’s shutout and scored a touchdown with a good two point conversion making the score 12-7. A big pass play is made to #13 Jaeden Barksdale for the completion putting Jacksonville on Piedmonts 20 yard line. A run play is made for another Touchdown but is stopped short on the 1-yard line where Jacksonville called for a time out with 25.6 seconds on the clock. When game-play resumed the Golden Eagles were able to make a quick break run play to score another touchdown with a good two point conversion making the score 20-7 with just 20 seconds remaining in the half. The Piedmont bulldogs were unable to work with the remaining time and the 2nd quarter ended with a score of 20-7 with a Jacksonville lead.
The halftime show begins and breaks the tension with a leading show from the Piedmont Bulldogs Marching Band. As the band departs the announcers give the names of Homecoming King and Queen Candidate’s before announcing the official winners; Jay Davis received the honor as Homecoming King and Journey Spears as Queen. The two walk off the field together to talk to friends and family before the game resumed.
During the 3rd quarter Jacksonville had possession and attempted a pass play but it was intercepted by Piedmont who proceeded to run to the Jacksonville 27 yard-line where they were held back by the Golden Eagles defense. The remainder of the 3rd quarter is battle for ground but neither team is able to score another touchdown. The 3rd quarter ended with a score of 20-7 Jacksonville leads.
When the 4th quarter starts players on both sides understood this quarter is what will make or break them. It is a battle on both sides, Jacksonville defenders were determined to preserve their lead but Piedmont was able to push through and scored a touchdown with 8:22 remaining on the clock; the extra point was blocked by Jacksonville making the score 20-13. Piedmont was in scoring position but were suddenly halted by an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. With only 3:46 remaining in the game, the Golden Eagles scored another touchdown and subsequent extra point increasing their lead to 28-13 Piedmont offense needed to close that gap and played a hard drive. With 1:45 remaining in this game Piedmont scored a touchdown with a successful extra point making the score 28-21. Jacksonville was able to maintain possession as the clock ran out. The Jacksonville Golden Eagles secure this significant victory against Piedmont with a final score of 28-21, and maintaining their undefeated season status.
We had the chance to discuss the team with the coach who said ‘’There is nothing I would change — I think overall everyone played great’’ and proudly spoke of his team saying ‘’It’s huge for us having these big linemen with 17 or 18 games under their belt together now’’. The Jacksonville Eagles look forward to their upcoming game with Anniston on October 5th.
Barksdale had a celebratory spirit after the game describing Jacksonville’s team as ‘’Wild dogs on the field’’ despite having Golden Eagles on their jerseys.
Wiggins stated about his personal performance “I just was on a hot streak and I knew a lot of teams would be talking about me lately so I just knew I had to go out there and give it 110% every play’’. Wiggins also stated that he maintained respect for Piedmont saying “They Played a hell of a game. They gave us a challenge”
When asked how he thought Friday nights game went Bolton said ‘’It was a hard fought game’’ he also noted the importance of the last few plays saying ”it came down to those last three plays but our defense and offense really did their job and we did what we needed to do to get that win’’ Bolton also stated ‘’You can always expect Piedmont to give you a good game’’
While some players may be boastful and celebrate their victory against long rival Piedmont, player #1 Omarion Adams wanted to remind fans and players alike to ‘’stay humble’’, so when they compete in their next game against Anniston they “make it 7 and 0 then after that, we’re going to make it to the playoffs.’’
When asked how it felt to play Piedmont for the first time on home turf since 1997, Hamilton said “they came out hungry”. Not caring about any previous record or match against Piedmont he played as if it were the first time. Hamilton went on to say “overall we work as a team and everything we get done we get done as a team we’re 6 and 0 baby, let’s keep it going’’.
Noah Lockette with the Jacksonville Golden Eagles Marching Band was happy for the win. He was happy with the way the band performed and keeping the crowd and players excited. He stated that “It was kind of difficult to set up before the game” but over all the band did very well.
