McAdory Holds Off Northridge 41-37 to Stay Perfect in 2026
TUSCALOOSA, AL — Rico Jemison ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as McAdory outlasted Northridge 41-37 on Friday night, pushing the Yellow Jackets to 3-0 and their third straight victory.
The road win came in a shootout that swung back and forth until the final minutes, when McAdory’s defense stepped up to seal it. Northridge, which battled to the end, dropped to 1-2 and now faces the task of regrouping after a hard loss on its home field.
Jemison Sets the Tone
Jemison shaped the game with his legs and his arm. He finished 8-of-16 through the air for 191 yards and added 63 yards on eight carries. Two of those runs found the end zone, and each one answered a Northridge push.
The dual-threat quarterback kept the Jaguars off balance all night. When the pocket broke down, he tucked the ball and moved the chains. When Northridge crept up to stop the run, he looked downfield.
Taylor and the Ground Game Grind Forward
Corey Taylor gave McAdory the workhorse it needed. He carried 12 times for 158 yards and a touchdown, breaking free for big gains that flipped field position and wore down the Jaguars’ front.
Grayson Shamburger added depth to the attack with 45 yards on eight carries and a score of his own. The two backs combined to keep the McAdory offense on schedule, and their steady work opened lanes for Jemison to operate.
Feagin Delivers the Highlight
The night’s signature play belonged to Carter Feagin. He hauled in a 60-yard touchdown pass from Jemison, one of five catches that totaled 146 yards. Feagin also stayed busy in the run game, taking two carries for 10 yards and punching in a rushing touchdown.
His versatility stretched the Northridge defense thin. Jeremiah Ware chipped in with two receptions for 36 yards, giving Jemison another reliable target when the Jaguars keyed on Feagin.
Northridge Keeps Swinging
Northridge refused to fold. The Jaguars answered scores with scores and stayed within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter, turning the game into a track meet that tested both offenses.
That resolve made the finish tense. With the margin narrow, every possession carried weight, and the home crowd sensed a chance for an upset until the closing minutes.
The Turning Point
McAdory’s defense supplied the decisive play. Josh Burke recovered a fumble with two minutes left, snuffing out a Northridge threat and handing the ball back to the Yellow Jackets. The recovery preserved the four-point lead and let McAdory run out the clock.
In a game defined by offense, one defensive moment made the difference.
Looking Ahead
McAdory returns home next week to host Bessemer City (2-1), a matchup that will test whether the Yellow Jackets can keep their unbeaten start intact against a team with momentum of its own.
Northridge, now 1-2, must shake off the loss and find answers on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars showed they can score in bunches, but tightening up in key moments will be the focus as they look to climb back to .500.
