East Jackson continues to surprise everyone — including itself.
The Eagles (10-1) manhandled Region 5-AA Manchester 27-14 Friday in Commerce behind 291 yards rushing as East Jackson now has a state playoff victory in only its second full year of football.
“Our team, we didn’t think really think we were going to make it to the second round; we didn’t think we’d make this playoff at all, but we did,” Eagle running back/defensive back Tyler Collins said. “So we’re all just happy. We’re happy to be here.”
East Jackson faces Lovett (10-1) — which routed Chattooga 45-7 — on the road next week.
Collins had a lot to do with getting the Eagles to round two. The sophomore ran wild, gaining 127 yards on just 11 carries to lead East Jackson's stout ground effort. His night included a 29-yard rushing touchdown and a 23-yard touchdown catch.
Collins said he liked his ground score better.
“The run,” he said. “I like running. I like contact.”
Collins’ two scores — which came in the second and third quarters — were sandwiched in between a one-yard touchdown run from C.J. Allen in the first quarter and a one-yard plunge from Michael Stephens on the last play of the game.
Allen finished with 82 yards rushing on 18 carries, while Deon Sewell added 71 yards on 20 attempts.
Collins said the Eagles came into this game ready after a focused week of practice.
“It was awesome,” said Collins, who also intercepted a pass. “Our coaches put in a great game plan, man, and we went out and did it.”
East Jackson shutout Manchester (7-4) in the first half, forcing two turnovers and allowing just two first downs during the first two quarters as the Eagles led 14-0.
Manchester cut the lead to 14-7 with a touchdown in the third quarter, but East Jackson answered with Collins' 23-yard touchdown reception to put the Eagles back up 21-7. Quarterback Evan Williamson threw the touchdown pass, part of a 5-of-9 night passing for the senior signal caller.
Manchester scored another touchdown off a 62-yard halfback pass in the fourth quarter and then got the ball back with 3:43 with a chance to tie or take the lead, but the Eagle defense stiffened. East Jackson sealed the victory with a fourth down stop at the Manchester 29.
The Eagles didn’t immediately know who their second round foe would be following the victory, but that mattered little to a team that had just made school history with its first-ever playoff win.
“Not really,” Collins said. “It doesn’t matter who you put in front of us, we’re going to do our best.”
Statistics
Rushing: Tyler Collins 11-127-1TD; C.J. Allen 18-82-1TD; Deon Sewell 20-71; Michael Stephens 5-15-1TD
Receiving:Tyler Collins 3-39-1TD
Passing:Evan Williamson 5-9, 46 yds, 1TD
