Gadsden County Jaguars survive close battle Against Andrew Jackson High, advance in semifinals

A “heavyweight slugfest” resulted in a huge road playoff win for Gadsden County High School last Friday night in Jacksonville.

It was an exceptional first half for the Jaguars, as quarterback Cameron Upshaw Jr. partnered up with Morgan State commit Johntarrious Thomas, but it took a hungry defense to close out a 16-14 regional quarterfinal win in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal playoff game against Andrew Jackson High.

The Jaguar offense had no problem moving the ball early against the Andrew Jackson Tigers.

Gadsden totaled 10 third-down conversions.

Despite the forward progress, the Jaguars only saw the end zone twice the entire game, and both came in the first quarter.

Mistakes were few, but offensive momentum slowed down tremendously.

“We did not play well but the guys played hard,” said Gadsden Head Coach Corey Fuller. “We have to improve and that means playing smart and together.”

The Jaguars ran 54 total plays in Friday’s victory.

Gadsden has shown plenty of success this season in their rushing attack averaging 152 rushing yards per game.

Gadsden County Jaguar Head Coach Corey Fuller speaks in front of his athletes and coaches in the end zone, following a 16-14 playoff victory against Andrew Jackson High on Friday, November 12.

In a crucial playoff game, it was imperative for Gadsden to run the ball, however Andrew Jackson High Head Coach John Sanchez dismantled the running game for the Jaguars.

“My main goal was to obtain a running game and be physical,” said Gadsden Assistant coach and passing game coordinator Emanuel Francis. “We wanted to take shots once they loaded the box. Our O-line on offense performed well.”

Despite the Jaguar defense giving up two consecutive scores in the second and third quarter, veteran cornerbacks Zaire Riley, Quan’tayveun Butler and the rest of the defense stepped up big in the fourth quarter forcing a scoreless fourth quarter.

The Jaguars have a team full of passion and veteran leadership on both sides of the ball.

Senior linebacker Jayden Jefferson spoke moments after his first playoff victory.

“It’s awesome to be in the playoffs,” said Jefferson. “Knowing the Jags are going to handle up, Coach Fuller told us at the half to just finish and make the plays that come to us.”

The post-season journey continues for Gadsden County.

Coach Fuller and the Jags will have a rematch with a familiar foe, Bolles High School; Matt Toblin and the Bulldogs program kept Fuller from reaching the championship in 2020.

The Regional Semifinal will be tomorrow night, Friday, November 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Jacksonville.