After suffering its first loss in 23 regular season games last week at the hands of North Hall, Jefferson got back into the win column Friday night at Memorial Stadium in convincing fashion, defeating Dawson County 35-14.
After a shaky first drive, the Dragons (2-1) came together to score on their second possession when a Jason Demos interception led way to a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bryant Sherriffs.
JHS continue to start drives in good field position and took advantage of costly errors and penalties by the Tigers (0-3). DCHS committed nine penalties on the night for 95 yards.
A late touchdown by the Tigers at the end of the half cut the lead a bit, but the Dragons entered the locker room ahead 28-7, scoring touchdowns on four of their six possessions.
After a scoreless third, JHS cushioned its lead early in the fourth when Sherrifs took the ball into the end zone from 5 yards out for his second rushing touchdown on the night. Although not putting up big numbers through the air, he was efficient passing (13-for-16, 120 yards and a score).
"He's a sophomore and he doesn't play like one," said Dragons head coach T. McFerrin. "He plays like a veteran, making good decisions with his passes and knows when to run the ball."
The Tigers scored with just over four minutes to play when Tyler Dominy hit Ethan Brown for his second touchdown catch of the game, but the damage had been done.
Nathan Carson had a big game for Jefferson, coming in as a running back in the second half and tallying up 57 yards on eight carries. He also sealed the victory with a late interception on the Tigers' last drive.
"He's never played football before and he's a senior and I'm glad we've got him. He played well tonight and I'm proud of him," McFerrin said.
Jefferson begins Region 8B-AA action next week as they take on Hart County on the road.
"Everything we did tonight we have to get better. We gave up to many big plays and made too many mistakes. It's going to be a tough game next week and we have a lot to work on to be ready for it," McFerrin said.