Tigers stagnant in loss to Jackson

JACKSON — Demopolis struggled to find its rhythm Friday night while Jackson used the big play to run to a 34-7 win and a region title, handing the Tigers their first loss of the year.

10-26-2012 — Jackson, AL — Demopolis’ Tyler Merriweather brings down Jackson quarterback Matthew Jordan in the Tigers’ loss to the Aggies. (Michael Clements/The West Alabama Watchman)

The Aggies scored the game’s first points when Matthew Jordan connected with Jarren Johnson for a 38-yard touchdown strike with 5:59 to play in the first quarter, putting Jackson up 6-0. “That’s what they do. They were able to make those plays tonight,” Demopolis coach Tom Causey said.

Demopolis appeared poised to respond when it drove the ball 60 yards in 10 plays to get down to the Jackson 15. LaKendrick James halted the Tiger threat when he picked off a DHS pass at his own three.

10-26-2012 — Jackson, AL — Demopolis’ Brock Montgomery fights Jackson’s Tyes McReynolds for possession of a pass from Tucker Jones in the Tigers’ loss to the Aggies. (Michael Clements/The West Alabama Watchman)

“I thought two or three times in the first half we got the ball down in the red zone and we made mistakes and it cost us scoring opportunities,” Causey said. “When you’re playing them, as good as they are defensively and as explosive as they are on offense, when you get your opportunities, you’ve got to make them.”

The Aggies proceeded to go 97 yards on two plays, hitting D’ersie Jemison on a 43-yard pass and then finding Jordan on a 54-yard scoring pass from Caleb Anderson. The two-point conversion run by Ledarrius Bowe made it 14-0 Jackson.With 3:31 to go in the second quarter, Jordan went over the top to Johnson again for a 48-yard score to stretch the lead to 21-0.

10-26-2012 — Jackson, AL — Demopolis’ Hollis Bright closes in to assist Kiante Jefferies bring down Jackson’s Jarren Johnson in the Tigers’ loss to the Aggies. (Michael Clements/The West Alabama Watchman)

Demopolis’ best opportunity to get back in the game before halftime came with just 15 seconds left in the second quarter when defensive lineman Kessy Bell intercepted a pass at the Jackson 35. The Tigers proved unable to score, heading into the break down 21-0.

After an interception by Chris Peyton-Taylor, Jackson found the end zone again on a 14-yard pass from Anderson to Cody Cabaniss to up the advantage to 28-0.

Jackson extended its lead again with 1:13 left in the third when Anderson found Devonte’ Bush for a 55-yard catch and run.

10-26-2012 — Jackson, AL — Demopolis’ Tucker Jones fights his way for the Tigers’ lone touchdown in their loss to the Aggies. (Michael Clements/The West Alabama Watchman)

Demopolis found its lone touchdown when Tucker Jones scored on a six-yard run to punctuate a 10-play, 63-yard drive with 2:51 to go in the game.“We’ll bounce back. We’ll get this thing going in the right direction,” Causey said.

Roderick Davis led Demopolis with 15 carries for 51 yards. Demetrius Kemp paced the Demopolis defense with eight total tackles. Bell finished with five stops and the Tigers’ lone turnover.

Demopolis (8-1) will host Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Thursday night while Jackson (9-0) travels to Thomasville.