Jemison endures storm, beats rival

Published 12:19 am Friday, September 1, 2017

The Jemison Panthers defeated the Chilton County Tigers and the weather on Thursday, during a 21-20 victory over its rival.

A lightning and severe weather delay was initiated with eight seconds left on the clock in the third quarter.

Play was halted with the Panthers leading 21-14 when storms and torrential rain moved through the area.

Up until that point Jemison’s offense had controlled possession of the ball for the majority of the game.

It was the Eric Evans show for much of the night, as he put forth another workhorse performance that Panther fans grew accustomed to seeing last year.

However, it was Chilton County that scored first following an 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown by Mondez Jones. The extra point ricocheted off the left goal post and was no good.

Jemison came right back after the turnover with another lengthy drive and this time Evans capped it off with a 2-yard score and Jemison led 7-6 after one quarter.

Jarrett Ricks threw a beautifully placed ball to Kory Albert for a 38-yard scoring strike and Gab Jackson punched in the two-point conversion to regain the lead 14-7, while the Panthers ended the first half with an answer of their own on a 1-yard run from under center by Evans.

Chilton County only managed 15 offensive snaps in the firs half, but were still tied at 14 heading into the halftime break.

Sean Martin set the tone for Jemison on the first play of the second half when he burst through the line and lit up CCHS running back Cameron Wright for a loss in the backfield.

Evans later scored from four yards out to give Jemison the lead prior to the game being delayed.

The fourth quarter was eventually played about an hour later and Jemison hung onto the win despite another CCHS score.