Jaguars Stifle Burns Rally In Injury Plagued Game

               The Jaguars broke a five-game losing streak last week with a 35-34 win at North Gaston. Could they keep their winning streak going on their homecoming night? Early on, it looked like the answer would be yes as Forestview raced out to a 13-0 lead in the first quarter with a 14-yard run by Javari Rice and a three-yard run by Aaron Bennett. The Bulldogs would drive deep into Forestview territory twice in the first half but would be turned away by turnovers. Forestview also would have a long drive stymied with a turnover. Jahari Mitchell would intercept a pass by Jake Lee toward the end of the first half. Anthony Nance would counter that with an interception of his own after picking off a pass by Spencer Devine. Xavier Worthy intercepted a Devine pass earlier in the game.

                The Bulldogs got back in it in the second half with an 81-yard run by Je’Vione Livingston. Zack Phillips’s extra point made it 13-7. A four-yard run by Jahari Mitchell tied the game up 13-13. It would remain that way as the kick was blocked.

                After Forestview quarterback, Jake Lee and running-back, Aaron Bennett left the game with injuries, it was time for their backups to contribute. Backup quarterback, Graham Wiggins got Forestview back on top with a 65-yard touchdown pass to Jake Long. The two-point conversion would fail however. Burns would counter that with a Kujuan Pryor 13-yard touchdown run. The extra point kick would give the Bulldogs the lead, but it would be blocked once again.

                Holt Cloninger put the Jaguars on top for good with a 25-yard field goal. The Bulldogs would try to respond but an illegal forward pass on fourth down stopped their drive and the Jaguars were able to run the clock out with 14 second remaining.

                CJ Hopper and Je’Vione Livingston combined for 187 yards rushing. Jake Lee led the Forestview offense with 182 yards passing before leaving the game. Kyra Peterkin was the recipient of 111 of those yards and Jake Long amassed 131 yards receiving with 101 coming from Graham Wiggins.

                “Heck of a game by both teams. Proud of our guys. (We) found a way to do it because it was hard fought.” Said Forestview head coach Chris Medlin “We got to go 1-0 next week. Got to take it one game at a time.”

                “I thought our kids played hoard. They continued to play throughout the game. We just couldn’t get ahead. We got our PAT’s blocked.” Said Burns head coach David Devine “Hats off to Forestview. They played hard. We just continue to make mistakes that you can’t make in this league. Part of it is youth. Part of it is lack of playing experience, but we just have to quit making mistakes.”

                Burns will travel to Kings Mountain next week. The Mountaineers defeated Ashbrook 27-26. Forestview will be home again against Hunter Huss. The Huskies defeated Crest 33-30 in overtime.