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Harold Jackson said he had one goal for his regulars on Saturday when his Jackson State University Tigers lined up against the Dragons of Virginia University of Lynchburg.
“We wanted the starters to go out and get the ballgame to a point where everybody could go in and play,” Jackson said.
The starters wasted no time in pleasing the coach. Quarterback LaMontiez Ivy connected with receiver Dan Williams for a 41-yard touchdown on the game’s second play from scrimmage en route to a 59-0 victory over the Dragons from Virginia.
Ivy passed for 246 yards and three touchdowns in the first half as the Tigers led 45-0. Ivy, who connected on 16 of 23 attempts, sat out the second half.
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Two of Ivy’s touchdown passes were caught by Jairus Moll, who celebrated his 21st birthday Saturday. Rakeem Sims led the ground attack with 48 yards on seven carries. Jarius Moore had 39 yards on two carries, including a 38-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.
The Tigers defense was led by Robert Porter, who had five tackles and returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Ariane McCree recorded two sacks. Javancy Jones and Stacy Noble also had five tackles each.
“I told the guys this was a really good ball game,” Jackson said post-game. “I want them to enjoy this tonight but from here on in, we are going to have to play ball.”
Jackson expressed concern about the play of the offensive and defensive lines and the number of penalties. The Tigers were penalized eight times for 77 yards. Two penalties resulted in first downs for VUL. “Penalties will get you beat,” Jackson said.
The Tigers, who improved to 2-0, will travel to Memphis next week to play Tennessee State University in the 25th edition of the Southern Heritage Classic.
Saturday’s game eased last week’s struggles against Florida A&M, when JSU sputtered in the red zone and were saved by a last second touchdown. Against Virginia University of Lynchburg, a member school of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association, the Tigers dominated every phase of the game.
The Tigers out-rushed the Dragons 155 yards to 4 yards. The Tigers had 275 passing yards to the Dragons’ 90 yards. Jackson State collected 430 yards of total offense to VUL’s 94 yards. The special teams also scored when Ryan Griffin recovered a blocked punt in the end zone in the third quarter.
“This was a good confidence builder for us. We needed something like this, especially coming off that 1.6,” Moll said of the time remaining in last week’s game for the final play. “Today, we executed perfectly. This was good for me because I hadn’t scored since high school.”
Ivy said the difference between this week and last was technique and execution.
“Last week we had a lot of busts, especially in the red zone. Now we see what happens when we focus on what we should,” said Ivy after his third collegiate start.
Porter said he is motivated by Qua Cox, a former JSU standout cornerback who graduated last year. “I know he was All America. I am just trying to pick up where he left off,” Porter said.
When asked about Tennessee State, Porter smiled. “We have a game plan,” he said. “Stay tuned. We are looking forward to the next game.”