Jonesboro-Hodge’s 2023 football season came to an end this past Friday with a 34-6 loss to home standing Ferriday in the first round of the LHSAA Division IV “non-select” playoffs. The defeat on the Trojans rain soaked field ended the 18th seeded Tigers 2023 campaign with a 4-7 overall record while #15 Ferriday improved to 5-6 on the year and continued into the second round where they will travel to play #2 seed Kentwood. 

It was two touchdowns in three plays by the Trojans midway in the third quarter that dimmed the Tigers flickering ray of hope of continuing on their “Road to the Dome.” Then the lights went out – literally. 

Ferriday put the Tigers in an early 8-0 hole by utilizing a mix of runs and short passes for an 11 play, 66-yard touchdown drive on their first possession of the game. Another 11 play drive, this one traversing 65 yards, upped the Trojan lead to 14-0 with a little over six minutes remaining in the second quarter.

Da”Marrious Burns seemingly supplied a ray of light by returning the ensuing kickoff 70 yards to paydirt, only to see the touchdown called back due to penalty. An interceptions three plays later then killed the Tigers best first half scoring opportunity.

The first half ended with JHHS having gained only 31 yards in total offense and other than when Jaylin Barnes recovered a fumble deep in Tiger territory, unable to stop the versatile Ferriday attack. Mirroring the dreary skies above, J-H’s hope of continuing the season looked dark. 

Like the burst of light given by new wood on a dying fire,  J-Hodge saw their fortunes dramatically brighten by orchestrating a 10 play, 57-yard touchdown drive over the opening five minutes of the second half. Quarterback Symeon Malone accounted for 48 of the yards through the air and ground, including a clutch 25 yard strike to Za’Mauryian Palmer, before finishing off the drive with a one yard plunge to cut the lead to 14-6.  

Ferriday, who came into the contest averaging 30 points a game, then supplied fireworks of their own with a 35 yard TD pass and a 61 yard run on consecutive plays to go up 28-6 with 6:20 remaining in the third quarter.

J-H continued to fight, but failed to convert on two straight possessions that began on the Ferriday 32 yard line, including being held out of the end zone after a first and goal from the one yard line. 

A dramatic example of what not being able to capitalize on the two prime scoring opportunities did to the Tigers hope of winning was then displayed when the lights on the field suddenly went out, leaving the stadium in complete darkness.