Gardendale Rolls Past Jasper 45-17 as Gooden, Tyson Power Rockets to Third Straight Win

GARDENDALE, AL — Gardendale turned a fast start into a rout Friday night, riding four rushing touchdowns and a special-teams score to a 45-17 win over Jasper at Driver Stadium. The victory pushed the Rockets to 3-1 overall and 2-0 in Class 5A, Region 5, and gave them their third win in a row.

The Vikings kept fighting into the second half, but they could not close the gap once Gardendale seized control early. Balanced offense, an opportunistic special teams unit and a steady defense proved too much for Jasper, which dropped to 2-2 overall and 1-1 in region play.

Gooden Sets the Tone Early

Ca’maree Gooden made the difference in the first half. The senior found the end zone twice on the ground, mixing patient running with quick bursts through the line. His two first-half rushing touchdowns staked Gardendale to a comfortable lead and forced Jasper to chase the game from behind.

Each of Gooden’s scores capped a drive that leaned on the Rockets’ run game, and the ground attack kept the chains moving and the clock ticking in Gardendale’s favor.

Wiggins and Crumb Connect Through the Air

Gardendale did not rely on the run alone. Quarterback Ridge Wiggins added a passing touchdown, hitting Trae Crumb for a score that stretched the lead further. The strike gave the Rockets a second dimension and kept the Jasper defense honest after it had loaded up to slow Gooden.

Special Teams Swing the Momentum

The night’s most sudden shift came on special teams. Sevine Brown scooped up a blocked punt and returned it for a touchdown, a play that flipped field position into instant points. That score, born from pressure up front and quick reaction from Brown, widened the margin and deflated any momentum Jasper had built.

Tyson Slams the Door

MJ Tyson put the finishing touches on the win with two rushing touchdowns of his own. His scores kept the pressure on late and helped the Rockets pull away for good. By the time the fourth quarter wound down, Gardendale had four rushing touchdowns between Gooden and Tyson, plus the passing score and the special-teams return.

Jasper found the end zone during the contest and refused to quit, adding 17 points to keep the scoreboard moving. The Vikings showed flashes on offense, but the early hole and Gardendale’s steady scoring left little room for a comeback.

What It Means

The win marks a strong stretch for Gardendale, which has now reeled off three straight victories and sits atop the standings picture in Region 5 at 2-0. The Rockets’ mix of a power run game, a reliable passing option and playmaking special teams gives them a well-rounded look heading deeper into region play.

For Jasper, the loss stings but does not derail the season. At 2-2 overall and 1-1 in region, the Vikings remain in the hunt with plenty of football left. Cleaning up early mistakes and tightening special teams will top the to-do list.

Looking Ahead

Gardendale hits the road next week for a rivalry showdown at Mortimer Jordan, a matchup that always carries extra weight and could shape the region race. The Rockets will look to keep their winning streak alive against a familiar foe.

Jasper returns home to face Jackson-Olin, a chance to bounce back in front of its own fans and even its region record. A win would steady the Vikings and keep their postseason goals firmly in reach.