Gardendale Blasts Jackson-Olin 51-14
BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a high octane Class 6A, Region 5 showdown, the Gardendale Rockets surged to a 51-14 win over Jackson-Olin, fueled by a pair of pivotal special teams touchdowns in the second half on Friday night in Ensley.
The Rockets’ dynamic victory was highlighted by a James Coffey punt block in the fourth quarter. Lineman Kion Henson capitalized on the play, scooping up the loose ball and racing 12 yards for a touchdown. This score capped a commanding 30-point second-half surge for head coach Chad Eads’ Rockets.
Earlier, Braylon Henry electrified the crowd with a 61-yard return off a free kick, a momentum shift following the Rockets’ defense recording a safety late in the third quarter.
Gardendale (2-2, 1-1) established control in the first half, leading 21-8 at the break. Sophomore quarterback Deacon Dyer completed 5-of-6 passes on the opening drive, connecting with Adyn Cupps for a 4-yard touchdown pass, setting the tone early at 7-0.
Jackson-Olin (0-3, 0-1), still seeking their first victory under first year head coach Joe Webb, responded with a determined 84-yard drive. Quarterback Vernon Slaughter delivered a 4-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Agee, while Slaughter’s successful 2-point conversion to Dekarrius Richardson briefly put the Mustangs ahead 8-7.
Undeterred, Dyer orchestrated another scoring drive, completing 7-of-10 passes and setting up Kamari Todd for a 7-yard rushing touchdown. Urijah Casey’s 1-yard run solidified Gardendale’s halftime lead.
Early in the third quarter, Joshua Bailey picked off a Mustangs pass handing the ball back to the Rocket offense at the Mustangs’ 29-yard line. Dyer promptly capitalized, finding Henry with a 16-yard touchdown pass to extend the visitors’ lead to 28-8.
Despite a fumble near Jackson-Olin’s goal line after another interception, the Rocket defense held firm, resulting in a safety. Casey added a 5-yard touchdown run, wrapping up the Rockets’ dominant performance.
Looking ahead, Gardendale is set to welcome the 3-0 Minor Tenacious Tigers to Driver Stadium, while Jackson-Olin will host the Homewood Patriots (4-0).
