Homecoming is a day that is filled with exciting festivities, and usually leads up to one of the easier games of the season on Friday night for the home team. That was not the case for Jonesboro-Hodge, as they faced a battle-tested Red River squad that would spoil the Tigers’ homecoming by a score of 32-8.

After seeing all of the J-Hodge Homecoming maids get honored before the game, including Queen, McKenzie Bradford, the Tigers were ready to begin the much-anticipated contest.

JHHS Homecoming King Milton Campbell, Queen Mackenzie Bradford

The Tigers kicked off to the visiting Bulldogs, and immediately the defense showed up in a big way by forcing a three and out, led by dominating defensive line play from Ken’Wuan Atkins and Demerrious Jones.

J-Hodge’s offense came out ready to play, and senior QB Symeon Malone wanted to make his final homecoming game memorable. Malone commanded the Tiger offense 61 yards down the field for an opening drive score, picking up 42 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The two-point pass to Christian McGuire made it an 8-0 J-H lead with 7:11 left in the 1st quarter.

The Tigers forced a fumble on the next Red River possession and got the ball back on the Bulldog 35-yard line. Sticking with the efficient run game, J-H was set up on the 8-yard line facing a pivotal 4th down play to open the 2nd quarter.

Dakota Knox lined up in the backfield, caught a swing pass from Malone, and was immediately met by multiple Bulldog defenders. Knox fought his way as far as he could but was stopped short at the Red River 4-yard line.

Red River took the momentum that had been going entirely Jonesboro-Hodge’s way so far in the game, and turned it into a 13 play, 9-minute drive, with the help of some Tiger penalties, to cut the J-H lead to two.

For the rest of the half, not much went right for the Tigers. A handful of fumbles, one of which the Bulldogs returned for a touchdown, and a misplayed “onside” kick led to Red River taking advantage of good field position and tacking on two more scores for an 18-6 Red River lead at halftime.

There was not much that went J-Hodge’s way in the 2nd half. More ball control issues, and some confusing decisions by the referees made for an uneventful final two quarters.

A couple of bright spots for the Tigers on the night was Symeon Malone hitting the century mark on the ground, having 16 carries for 100 yards and the lone Tiger touchdown. Also, Freshman defensive end Dylan Hayes got the start in the second half for J-H, and lived in the Red River backfield finishing with a career high four tackles and two assists. 

The loss dropped Jonesboro-Hodge to 2-4 overall and 0-1 in District 3-2A play while Red River improved to 1-5 and 1-0 on the year. The Tigers will again be at home this Friday, October 13th at Caldwell-Peacock Stadium taking on the 1-5 Mansfield Wolverines. Game time is set for 7:00 pm. 

JHHS PLAYER STATS:

Passing:
#4 Symeon Malone – 5/11, 31 Yards, INT

Rushing:
#4 Symeon Malone – 16 Rushes, 100 Yards, TD
#9 Karmikizick Barber – 6 Rushes, 28 Yards
#8 Christian McGurie – 1 Rush, 14 Yards
#88 Jorden Dill – 1 Rush, 10 Yards
#21 Tremarrious Lewis – 1 Rush, 6 Yards
#3 Dakota Knox – 4 Rushes, -5 Yards

Receiving:
#3 Dakota Knox – 2 Receptions, 15 Yards
#88 Jorden Dill – 1 Reception, 7 Yards
#8 Christian McGuire – 1 Reception, 6 Yards