Jackson State beats Southern to extend winning streak to eight games

Jackson, Miss. — Jackson State extended its winning streak against Southern to eight games with a 35-17 victory Saturday night at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The undefeated Tigers improved to 4-0 overall and 1-0 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Jackson State took an early lead, with Nate Blount IV scoring on a 1-yard run on the opening drive. The Tigers added to their advantage shortly after when quarterback Jared Lockhart threw a 70-yard touchdown pass to Nate Rembert. Jackson State led 14-3 late in the first quarter.

Blount continued his strong night with an 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, giving the Tigers a 21-3 lead. Following a Southern touchdown, Lockhart scored on a 1-yard run to push Jackson State ahead 28-9 at halftime. Southern trimmed the deficit to 28-17 late in the third quarter on a 1-yard run by Mike Franklin.

Jackson State’s defense shut down Southern in the fourth quarter, preventing any comeback attempts. The game’s highlight came when Lockhart’s tipped pass was caught by center Alex Valbuena for a 4-yard touchdown with 2:45 remaining. Lockhart completed 12 of 18 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score.

Rembert led the receiving corps with five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown. On the ground, Emari Matthews contributed 45 yards on seven carries. Defensively, Jackson State recorded three sacks for 16 yards lost and limited Southern to 165 passing yards. Keith Bass Jr. had a team-high seven tackles, while linebackers Tymon Wells and Carmello Jones contributed key sacks and tackles for loss.

Jackson State will next travel to Mobile, Alabama, for the Gulf Coast Challenge at Ladd-Peebles Stadium next weekend.

Source: Original Article