What a way to open the season, let alone the Harold Jackson era.
The Jackson State’s sideline was cleared as players and coaches rushed to the endzone, with the crowd erupting in the background, all toward DeSean McKenzie, who caught the game-winning Hail Mary touchdown.
As the clock expired, Jackson State defeated Florida A&M 22-17 in Saturday’s opener in Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“As they say, it’s not over until the fat lady sings, and the fat lady sung in the last play,” said Jackson, who’s in his first year coaching at JSU.
At first, it seemed the Rattlers had spoiled the Tigers’ opener.
Quarterback Damien Fleming whipped a pass to Gerald Hearns, who zipped to the endzone, and FAMU went up 17-16 with 46 seconds left in the game.
But throughout the offseason, Jackson State has tried to make its offense fast, getting as many plays off as it can. A perfect opportunity to do so came with less than a minute left.
“The play was set to drop back and heave it up, and take it to the endzone,” said JSU quarterback LaMontiez Ivy, who went 25-for-42 with an interception. “The (defensive) end could’ve sacked me. … But stepped back, threw it up as far as I could.”
The ball was batted around at least twice before McKenzie pulled it in.
The junior had only two catches prior to his game winner. He finished with 68 total receiving yards, 50 of which came from his last reception.
“I was supposed to be the first one down there, and I was supposed to tip it back, if it was too high or anything,” McKenzie said.
“I had dreamed about that moment before,” he added about the catch. “I didn’t want to get tackled or caught, so I ran as long as I could.”
It was a saving moment for the Tigers, who struggled to capitalize in the redzone, settling for three field goals and a 1-yard rushing touchdown by senior Rakeem Sims.
With early rain and sprinkles during the game, the Tigers relied more on the running game and Sims’ feet.
The 5-foot-11, 225-pounder looked like his old form in 2012, and came through with 117 rushing yards on 19 carries.
It was enough to advance JSU down the field and score field goals, especially after FAMU held in the game.
Fleming, who wasn’t 100 percent after a foot injury, found Dennis Hall for a 21-yard touchdown throw that sent the Tigers into halftime down 10-6.
The Rattlers kept the game tight to the last minute, but the Tigers managed to hang in longer.
“I don’t know if I’m going to sleep all night at all, because it’s one those ball games that will never be forgotten,” Jackson said.
Key Player
DeSean McKenzie, Wide receiver
Caught the game-winning touchdown on a 50-yard Hail Mary.
Key Figure
3
Number of field goals that allowed JSU to hang on.
Contact Ros Dumlao at (601) 961-7190 or rdumlao@gannett.com. Follow @rosdumlao on Twitter.