(Clay Williams- Jackson Parish Journal) Week 2 of the Jonesboro-Hodge football season that saw the Tigers fall to West Ouachita  44-12 was one that the Tigers will learn from, and then quickly move past.

The first half saw the opposing Chiefs, who represent district 2-5A, start deep into Tiger territory on 3 separate possessions, all of which led to touchdowns. Add in a 74 yard rushing score from West Ouachita’s all-district running back on their first play from scrimmage as well as a 65 yard punt return TD, and
you had a 37-0 halftime deficit for the Tigers.

During halftime, the Tigers made adjustments, and set a goal to win the second half in order to work towards being better next week.

Chance Leonard came out of the locker room ready to make sure that J-H would not go home scoreless. In the third quarter, Leonard led a drive that saw him carry the rock 4 times for 71 yards, and he capped it off by bulldozing his way into the end zone for the first Tiger points of the night.

After West Ouachita responded with a score of their own, quarterback Symeon Malone drove the Tigers down the field to start the fourth quarter. Malone then found his favorite target Christian McGuire in the back of end zone, for what would be the final points of the contest for either team. The final score would be 44-12 in favor of West Ouachita, but the Tigers did have a 12-7 advantage in the second half of play.

One of the positive takeaways for J-Hodge on the night was in the turnover department. The Tigers forced five Chiefs turnovers, as opposed to only three from J-Hodge. Freshman Michael “Big Mike” Malone recovered one of four Chief fumbles in his first high school action.

Jonesboro-Hodge, now 1-1 on the season will be back at home this Friday, September 15th at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium taking on the 2-0 Bunkie Panthers. Game time is scheduled for 7:00 pm.