Cougars-Indians matchup looks competitive this year

In 2023, the Jackson Central-Merry-North Side matchup was the homecoming game for JCM, played at South Side.

The game was dominated by North Side as the Indians shut the Cougars out 42-0.

But the emotion was evident from the kickoff as officials had to stop action after the whistle a couple times early on, have conversations with the players and even a couple conversations with the coaches on both sidelines to make sure everyone settled down.

This year’s matchup going in looks a lot different from last year’s.

The biggest difference is the records for both teams.

JCM has already matched the combined win total of 2023 by both teams with five as the Cougars come into the city rivalry game with a perfect record. Plus, they’re ranked No. 6 in the state in Class 2A according to the Tennessee Sports Writers’ top 10 poll this week, right behind No. 5 Milan, which is one of the team’s they beat on the road this year.

The Indians aren’t perfect with a couple of losses to two of the top programs in rural West Tennessee, but they’ve got a 4-2 record.

Wide receiver Javonte Smith, from North Side, garnered another Southeastern Conference scholarship offer last week from Missouri and was one of the high school recruits on hand in Tuscaloosa, Ala., last week for the titanic battle between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs.

Smith leads North Side with 24 receptions for 350 yards. His three touchdowns are actually second on the team behind Miles Howard, who has four on 13 catches for 315 yards.

JCM has its share of playmakers on offense too.

Jonas Patterson has breakaway speed at the running back position, but receivers Jaylen Young, Michael Massey and Brian McKnight give quarterback Terell Williams to throw to.

Defensively, Daveon Harris anchors a large defensive line for the Cougars that have given opposing backfields fits more times than not, which is a big reason their record is perfect halfway through the regular season.

Georgie Star leads North Side in tackling with 63 total, while Ahmir Smith and Chris Reed have 48 and 43 respectively. Smith’s statistics come in four games played instead of the full six.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at North Side on Friday.

Brandon Shields, brandon@jacksonpost.news