By: Daniel Simmons
After two weeks of preseason action away from home and two regular season games on the road, the Winnfield Tiger football team finally got to play a home game at Stokes-Walker Stadium on Friday night. The Tigers hosted the Cedar Creek Cougars, who they played on the road in Ruston last year and lost to, one of their two losses in the regular season. The Tigers were able to avenge that loss, prevailing by a score of 20-0.
Neither team put points on the board in the first half, although the Tigers had several opportunities to do so. The Tigers moved the ball well early on, but committed many miscues on several drives before they reached the end zone. They fumbled twice, both in the red zone, one of those fumbles coming on the 1-yard line, marking the second week in a row that the Tigers fumbled on the 1. They also had a punt blocked, and fumbled once again on their first offensive play of the second half. Despite the offense’s struggles, the defense did an excellent job of keeping Cedar Creek’s offense in check, keeping the score a scoreless tie going into halftime.
The Tiger offense got things going in the second half, converting their offensive possessions into touchdowns. The offense scored two rushing touchdowns, with Jaylon Jackson scoring his third touchdown of the season in only his second game. Malachi Williams got on the board too with his first touchdown of the year. Williams also made a big play on the defensive side of the ball, intercepting a Cedar Creek pass and returning it all the way back for a touchdown. The Tigers had two interceptions on the night, with Jaterion Hobdy getting the other one.
Statistically for the Tigers, quarterback Damascus Lewis completed 5 of 12 passes for 132 yards. He also ran 7 times for 16 yards. Jaylon Jackson led the team in rushing yards on the night, carrying 6 times for 54 yards, with a long run of 31 yards, running for a touchdown as well. He also caught 2 passes for 68 yards. Malachi Williams had one carry for an 8-yard touchdown. Jake Jones had an 8-yard reception, Ryan Davis had a 20-yard reception, and Josh Hayes had a 38-yard reception.
The Tigers will be at home again this Friday night for their second of four consecutive home games. They will take on their longtime rivals the Jena Giants, who are enjoying a strong start to the season. They sit at 3-0 with wins over Mangham, Leesville, and St. Frederick.
Stats courtesy of MaxPreps
Photos courtesy of Justin Coody Photography
