Unbeaten and high-scoring North Oconee was as good as advertised, routing Jackson County 37-0 in Panther Stadium Friday.
The Titans (6-0, 3-0) scored on their first three possessions and coasted from there as they topped the 30-point mark for the fifth time this year.
“They’re really good and we didn’t help ourselves out at all,” coach Billy Kirk said.
This was the first meeting between Jackson County and North Oconee, a school that opened six years ago. The Panthers were without three defensive starters and three others with injuries, making the task of upsetting the surging Titans all the more daunting.
“We were down a bunch of kids, but no excuses … We played poorly and it showed,” Kirk said.
North Oconee, which is tied for first with Elbert County in Region 8-AA South, led 30-0 at the half. The Titans have won all their games by double digits.
“They’ve got great kids, and they’re well-coached,” Kirk said. “They’re ranked no. 8 and it’s not by mistake.”
Jackson County’s struggles continued on offense as it went without a first down until the third quarter. The Panthers had six three-and-outs during the first half. Jackson County was held to 89 total yards — 36 rushing and 53 passing.
“Our defense was on the field all night long,” Kirk said. “We could not run the ball.”
Tony Holton had the biggest play from scrimmage, catching a 28-yard pass.
Jackson County continued to rotate its quarterbacks, with Jalen Banks completing 6-of-12 passes for 33 yards and Kyle Daniel completing 2-of-5 for 20 yards.
The various holes the Panthers’ lineup left Jackson County having to press three sophomores and a freshman into service.
“It’s tough to win a football game when your putting on band aids to try to win the game,” Kirk said.
By the way you left the "h" out of shame, and if you're going to capitalize the S in Stevie, then you should capitalize the W in Wonder, even Steve can do that and he's blind.
and unfortunately the Panthers are not well coached.... get it together Kirk.