JACKSON – September 20, 2020 – BRENDON D. MILLER
Jackson City hosted Hazard this afternoon at Douthitt Park in Jackson in a rematch of last year’s thrilling 14th Region All A Final, in which Jackson defeated Hazard at the death. 2020 would be much of the same as the two teams staged another close and tense championship match.
The Bulldogs and Tigers felt each other out for the first 13 minutes before Hazard broke the ice on a strike by Bulldog Senior Jonah Helm from outside the box. Helm’s goal set the stage for an early Bulldog lead which Freshman Landon Hughes doubled six minutes later as he poked home a goal to an open net set up by a great assist by Greg Grigsby on the left wing.
Down two goals, Jackson City’s Senior leader Micah Henson went to work with urgency. Less than an minute after Hughes’ goal, Henson forged down the left side from midfield with a strike for the left of the box to put the Tigers on the board. Jackson then continued their urgent pressing play and put the score level :25 seconds later as Dysonn Clair drove home a goal.
Henson continued his strong play and put the Tigers ahead on 34 minutes with a drive from the top of the box. At the half, Jackson lead 3-2.
The second half was totally controlled by Hazard. Hazard seemed to have 100 percent possession and bossed the game for the full 40 minutes. The Bulldogs leveled on 59 minutes as Robert Shoptaw rose up on a corner and headed home the equalizer.
The Bulldogs took the lead for good on 71 minutes on a goal from the right of the box by Senior Dillon Callahan.
Jackson had a couple attacks within the final five miuntes but could not not maintain possession to build a good scoring chance. The Bulldog defense killed the clock for the win and to advance on to the All A Semi-State.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Half
HHS – Jonah Helm – 13:01
HHS – Landon Hughes – 19:25
JCS – Micah Henson – 20:25
JCS – Dysonn Clair – 20:50
JCS – Micah Henson – 33:16
2nd Half
HHS – Robert Shoptaw – 59:32
HHS – Dillon Callahan – 71:21