JA began the football season earlier than ever in school history on Friday night, as they hosted Bayou Academy at The Brickyard in their home and season opener. This was the first meeting between the Raiders and Colts in school history. The Raiders were 34-19 in first time meetings against an opponent and they had also won their last four season openers.

After a scoreless first quarter the Raiders opened the scoring for 2023 with an Omarean Ellis 2-yard TD run that game JA a 7-0 lead. After forcing a three and out on the next possession, the Raiders marched it right back down the field on seven plays, covering 62 yards, and capped it off with a 21 yard TD pass to Kiandre Terry from Carter Mathison. The Raiders led 14-0 at the break.

The Bayou Academy Colts were given a short field after a Raider fumble but they turned it over on downs inside the five yard line. The Colts stepped up and got their first points of the year with a safety. After the Raider defense forced another three and out, JA put another TD on the board. This one came from DJ Watkins from 16 yards out. Bayou was able to put together a significant drive in the fourth quarter as they made it a two score game with an impressive twelve play drive. And after a turnover on downs by JA, the Colts were looking to score again until CJ Banks stepped in the passing lane and took one to the house from 85 yards away. JA improved to 1-0 on the season as the Bayou Academy Colts dropped to 0-1.

Offensive Leaders: Carter Mathison was 14-for-21 for 154 yards and a TD. DJ Watkins had 5 carries for 47 yards and 1 TD. Omarean Ellis had 14 carries for 42 yards and a TD. Kiandre Terry had 7 receptions for 98 yards and 1 TD

Defensive Leaders: Maddox Greer led the Raiders with 11 tackles (9 solo), one sack, 1 TFL, 1 FF and 1 FR. Fagan Daniel had 9 tackles (6 Solo) Jacob Scarbrough had 8 tackles (3 Solo), Nicholas Harris had 7 tackles (All Solo), 7 TFL including 5 Sacks.

JA begins a two game road trip as they head to Madden next Friday night for a matchup with Leake Academy with a 7pm kickoff. Pregame on The Raider Network will begin at 6:15pm

(Pic courtesy of ie3Photo)

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