Nickolas Davis
MC Contributor/Staff
In the Tigers last game at Veterans Memorial Stadium until next season, emotions ran high from pre-game senior recognitions to the school alma mater ringing throughout the stadium. The Tigers still had something to play for as possession of the SWAC East Division title was on the line.
The game began well as the Tigers on the first play from scrimmage scored with only fifteen seconds elapsed in the contest. The Tigers continued on the attack as junior placekicker Christian Jacqueline tacked on a 24-yard field goal to put the Tigers up 10-0 and the end of the 1st quarter.
Jackson State increased their lead over the Bulldogs in the 2nd quarter with a 1-yard pass completion from senior quarterback Jaren Morikowa to senior defensive end/linebacker Javancy Jones, who played fullback on the play to get the Tigers on the board.
Now up 17-0, the Tigers seemed to be in total control of the ball game. The Bulldogs did not let this discourage their game plan.
On two consecutive drives, AAMU would press down the field and finish with a field goal on the first drive and a touchdown on the second drive cutting the lead to 17-10.
After a punt from each side, the Tigers were set up to drive down the field, but on the 2nd down, a pass from Morikawa went right through the hands of a receiver and fell in the lap of an AAMU defender who scampered untouched to the end zone to tie the game 17 all going into halftime.
After AAMU tacked on another touchdown on the first drive out of the half, the Tigers found themselves reeling for the first time in the contest
Going into the 4th quarter, the score was 24-20. AAMU would gener
ate another field goal to put the game at a seven point spread with two minutes left in the showdown.
With 65 yards to go for a chance at victory, the Tiger’s offense got to work. A catch on first down plus a personal foul penalty put the Tigers in Bulldog’s territory, then add a 20-yard reception from tight End Shaquill Ward put JSU in the redzone.
With the entire stadium on its feet, Morikawa took the snap rolled out to his right to hit senior WR Jairus Moll at the 2 yard line. He initially was presumed to be tackled but quickly bounced away from the defenders and ran towards the front pylon. As he ran, he dove for the touchdown but was hit shortly before he crossed the end zone line; the ball flew loose and rolled into the end zone recovered by an AAMU defender. No call was made initially but after minutes of discussion between the referees, the play was called a touchback and was given to the Bulldogs at the 25-yard line.
Two plays later, the game was over, along with the chance at a SWAC Championship for the Tigers, under first year Head Coach Tony Hughes.
Jackson State now 3-5 in conference play, 3-7 overall are left with one game left in their 2016 season, the Soul Bowl verses bitter rivals and the third consecutive SWAC East division champions Alcorn State University. The game will be in Lorman, Miss. on Nov. 19.
Photos by William H. Kelly III
