Jackson State scored the final 13 points to come from behind and beat Tennessee State 26-24 in the season opener Saturday night at the John Merritt Classic inside FirstBank Stadium in Nashville.
Andrew Ivaniciuc kicked a 21-yard field goal with 2:31 remaining to give the Tigers the lead. Jackson State’s defense then forced a field goal attempt with under 50 seconds left, and Tennessee State muffed the snap, allowing Jackson State to recover and secure the victory.
Ivaniciuc, who finished 4-for-5 on field goals, connected from 45 yards and a career-long 51-yard attempt late in the third quarter to extend Jackson State’s lead to 23-17. Nate Blount IV led the rushing attack with a career-high 101 yards on 15 carries, averaging 6.7 yards per run. The Tigers finished with 180 yards on 38 carries.
Jared Lockhart completed 17 of 26 passes for 222 yards and a touchdown, spreading passes to 10 different receivers. Jabari Jones was named Offensive MVP after catching four passes for 117 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Nate Rembert added three receptions for nine yards, while Trevon Kemmerlin and Jency Riley Jr. each caught two passes.
Defensive MVP Kam Sallis led with seven tackles, including three solo. Vernorrius Chaney and Keith Bass Jr. each tallied six tackles; Bass also recorded a sack and 1.5 tackles for loss. Jackson State is set to host Edward Waters next Saturday in its home opener at the Hope Labor Day Classic.
