North Side, Jackson Christian roll to wins; Hawks stop JCM

A week after falling hard to open its season, North Side left no doubt in its home-opener against Liberty Tech Friday night.

The Indians (1-1) did all their scoring in the first half and sent the Crusaders (0-2) home after winning 54-8.

Quarterback Carson Graves connected with Javonte Smith for a long pass that bounced off a Liberty defender’s hands and into Smith’s, allowing him to get to the end zone for a 64-yard score on the first play from scrimmage.

It was all North Side from that point on through the first half.

Cortez Manley had a touchdown run from within the 5-yard line for another score.

Keelyn Mahomes had an interception and returned it deep into Crusader territory to set up a touchdown run by Kylan Roberson to put the Indians up 21-0 six minutes into the game.

“I’m proud of my guys for not letting last week get to them and focus on this week and executing,” said North Side head coach Woodrow Lowe Jr. “And we were able to get some reps to work on execution, and we were able to get our young guys in there and build some depth.”

Liberty avoided the shutout when the Crusaders forced a North Side fumble and returned it for a score.

South Side 21, Jackson Central-Merry 19

The Jackson matchup was a back-and-forth affair that saw both teams lead at different times, and it came down to the final seconds as the Cougars (1-1) scored to cut the Hawk (1-1) lead to two.

JCM went for two to tie it, but they failed to convert, giving South Side the win.

Chuck Stokes was South Side’s leading rusher with 55 yards and the score. He also had a 41-yard touchdown pass.

The victory for the first in the head coaching career for South Side’s Lester Narcisse.

“We expected to win last week, and we again expected to win this week,” Narcisse said. “So we’re definitely glad to get it, but we’re not going to be shocked because we know the work we put in every week to prepare for these games.”

The Hawks have a short week as they host Liberty on Thursday.

Jackson Christian 47, Peabody 14

Quarterback Austin Kelley finished the night completing 16 of 21 passes for 324 yards and four touchdowns. He also carried the ball once for a five-yard score as the Eagles (2-0) remain wi

Jay’Len Mosley was his favorite target, finishing with nine catches for 187 yards and a pair of scores. Daniel Green caught four passes for 79 yards and a touchdown. Trent Carrier also had a touchdown on two receptions for 45 yards.

Brooks Goff helped out defensively with three takeaways – two fumble recoveries and an interception.

“This was truly a team win,” said Eagles head coach Darby Palmer. “When you’ve got four guys catching at least one touchdown pass, that’s a good night for the receiving game.”

TCA-Grace don’t play

The game between Trinity Christian and Franklin Grace was called off by officiating judges.

TCA’s stadium lights had a few bulbs out, and the officiating crew called the game at 9:30.

The game is a no contest that won’t be made up.

Week 3 Madison County high school football schedule

Thursday

Liberty at South Side

Friday

University School of Jackson at Trinity Christian

Camden at Jackson Central-Merry

North Side at Obion Co.

Jackson Christian at Goodpasture