The Raiders returned to The Brickyard for their second conference matchup of the season as they hosted Oak Forest Academy. The two teams were meeting for the 10th time with the Raiders winning the previous nine meetings. Only one meeting has been decided by less than double digits, when JA won 28-21 in 1991.

The Raiders held the Yellow Jackets to a punt on their first drive of the game, and took the early lead on a Land Gebhart 32 yard field goal on the ensuing drive. Oak Forest answered on the first play of the next drive as John Henry White ran 80 yards for a go-ahead touchdown and that was just one of 4 different lead changes in this back-and-forth affair.

In the second quarter JA retook the lead on a 74 yard interception return for a touchdown by Tae Stewart. The Raider defense was just getting started and so was Tae Stewart as he picked up a fumble forced by Caleb Hernandez and ran it in from 29 yards out for a 17-7 lead. Oak Forest would get on the board right before halftime with a quick six play 80 yard drive, capped off by White?s second TD run of the game. The Raiders led 17-14 heading into the locker rooms.

After a quick three-and-out by the Raider offense to start the second half, Oak Forest put the ball in the hands of Thomas Lee and he rumbled 65 yards for another long play which gave the Jackets a 21-17 lead. Then Marcus Harris started flexing his muscle and scored his first touchdown of the night to put JA in the lead for good 24-21. He added another TD in the 4th quarter to give the Raiders a two score advantage. He finished with a career high in carries (36) and yards (214) as the Raiders moved to 1-1 in conference play with a 31-24 victory.

JA will head back on the road next Friday night as they travel to Pelahatchie to take on the Chiefs at 7pm for the first time in school history.

Offensive Stats:
Marcus Harris - 36 carries, 214 yards, 2 TDs
Andrew Holmes - 5-for-8, 52 yards
William Janous - 2 catches, 26 yards

Defensive Stats:
Caleb Hernandez - 13 Tackles, 7 Solo, TFL, Forced Fumble
Chase Rush - 10 Tackles, 5 Solo
Brendan Gibson - 9 Tackles, 6 Solo
Porter Harrell - 8 Tackles, 2 Solo, 2 PBU
Tae Stewart - 4 Tackles, 3 Solo, TFL, INT (TD), FR (TD)

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