Gardendale Edges Jackson-Olin 21-20 on Late Field Goal in Class 5A Region 5 Opener

GARDENDALE, AL – Logan Stewart drilled a 42-yard field goal with 1:59 to play, lifting Gardendale to a 21-20 victory over Jackson-Olin on Friday night at Driver Stadium. The one-point win pushed the Rockets to their second straight victory and handed them a crucial early edge in Class 5A, Region 5.

The result carried extra weight beyond the scoreboard. Gardendale, which opened its season with a loss to St. Clair County, has now rebounded with back-to-back wins. Jackson-Olin, meanwhile, dropped its second game in three tries and fell to 0-1 in region play.

A Tight Battle From the Start

The two programs traded blows throughout, and neither could build a comfortable lead. MJ Tyson set the tone for Gardendale on the ground, powering in a rushing touchdown to give the Rockets an early spark. He later added a second scoring run, giving him two rushing touchdowns on the night and anchoring an offense that leaned on its run game when it mattered most.

Jackson-Olin answered each time, keeping pace with a determined effort that kept the Mustangs within striking distance well into the second half.

Special Teams Swing the Margin

Special teams played a defining role in the final tally. Caleb Combs came up with a game-altering play when he blocked a Jackson-Olin extra point, a single point that would loom large as the clock wound down.

Stewart also connected on a 40-yard field goal earlier in the contest, adding to a strong night for the Gardendale kicking unit before his decisive fourth-quarter boot.

Stewart’s Kick Provides the Difference

With the game hanging in the balance late, Gardendale marched into position and turned to Stewart. His 42-yard field goal split the uprights with 1:59 remaining, giving the Rockets a 21-20 edge and leaving Jackson-Olin needing a final drive to answer.

Crumb Seals It

The Mustangs pushed downfield in the closing moments, looking to set up a winning score of their own. Trae Crumb ended that hope with an interception, snuffing out Jackson-Olin’s final threat and preserving the one-point win for Gardendale.

The turnover capped a night defined by close margins, timely defense and special-teams plays that ultimately tilted the outcome.

Looking Ahead

Gardendale (2-1 overall, 1-0 in Class 5A, Region 5) stays home next week to host Jasper, aiming to extend its winning streak and build on a promising start to region play.

Jackson-Olin (1-2, 0-1) returns home as well, welcoming Parker as the Mustangs look to bounce back and get their first region win of the season.