No. 2 St. Michael Catholic Upsets No. 1 Jackson 49-39 in High-Scoring Showdown
JACKSON, AL – In a battle between Class 4A’s top-ranked teams, No. 2 St. Michael secured a historic 49-39 victory over the No. 1 ranked Jackson Aggies Friday night at Legion Field in Jackson.
With the victory St. Michael improves to 6-0 overall, 4-0 in region play. The Aggies slip to 5-2, 2-1 in the region and snaps their five game winning streak.
The win sets the stage to lift the head coach Phillip Rivers’ Cardinals to number one in the state for the first time in school history.
The Cardinals’ offense, led by junior quarterback Gunner Rivers, was unstoppable. They scored seven touchdowns and accumulated 412 total yards against a formidable Jackson defense that had not allowed more than 17 points in any previous game this season. St. Michael established an early rhythm, scoring on three of its first four possessions to build a 21-7 lead in the second quarter and went into halftime ahead 28-19.
Jackson, however, consistently fought back. Superstar running back and Alabama commit EJ Crowell delivered a spectacular performance, rushing 22 times for 341 yards and multiple touchdowns. His efforts repeatedly brought the Aggies within striking distance throughout the second half. For the season, Crowell has now rushed for 1,195 yards in just six games.
A late touchdown pass from Jackson quarterback Landon Duckworth to “Juice” Gordon on a crucial fourth down cut the Cardinals’ lead to 42-39 with only 6:37 left on the clock. But St. Michael responded immediately when Rivers connected with sophomore Braedyn Walton for a 24-yard touchdown. Walton had a breakout game, finishing with eight receptions for 112 yards and two scores.
South Alabama commit Brody Jones sealed the victory for the Cardinals with a late-game interception. Jones also contributed on offense with a touchdown reception.
By the Numbers
- Turnover Battle: St. Michael won the crucial turnover margin, forcing three takeaways (two interceptions, one fumble) while committing none.
- Offensive Yards: Jackson narrowly outgained St. Michael, 546 yards to 412. The Aggies amassed 374 rushing yards and 172 passing yards.
- Special Teams: Kicker Patricio Garcia was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points for the Cardinals, while Jackson converted only 3 of 6 attempts.
What’s Next
Both teams return to Region 1 play next week. Jackson (5-2) will host Orange Beach (4-3, 2-1) on Thursday, while the undefeated Cardinals (6-0) will welcome the Mobile Christian Leopards (5-1, 2-1) to Fairhope on Friday night.
FEATURED IMAGE: ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL
