Our C-Spire Game of the Week is arguably the best, most anticipated game in Mississippi this week. The Jackson Academy Raiders (4-0) welcome the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots (4-1) to a “Battle at the Brickyard.” These are the top two teams in the MAIS and have two of the most talented rosters in the state. This game could also be just the first of two chapters this season as they are both favorites to be in the 4A Championship Game in November.
“I think our kids will be ready. Our message to them this week is to stay within yourself and know what it takes to win: preparedness and focus both in practice and in the game,” said MRA Head Coach Herbert Davis.
Jackson Academy said Head Coach David Duggan would not be available for pre-game media interviews this week.
The Raiders come into this game with a perfect record at 4-0 and averaging more than 40 points per game with wins over Oak Forest Academy (42-6), Leake Academy (48-21), Greenville St. Joseph (45-7) and Hartfield Academy (41-22).
Senior transfer quarterback Josef Walker has led a balanced offensive attack so far. He’s completed 77 percent of his passes for 610 yards with six touchdowns to no interceptions. Walker has also run the ball 18 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite receiver to this point is senior Jaydann Hollins who has 12 catches for 296 yards and two scores. Senior receiver O’Mari Johnson, who is committed to play at the University of North Carolina for Coach Bill Belichick next year, has three catches for 127 yards and a touchdown. Johnson had an 80-yard touchdown last week against the two-time defending champion Hartfield Hawks.
The most impressive part of the offense thus far is the Raiders running game. Junior Kingston Mays has carried the ball 47 times for 290 yards and seven touchdowns. Fellow junior running back Aaric Beasley has 32 carries for 236 yards and six scores. The duo is averaging six and seven yards per carry respectively.
Big credit goes to the offensive linemen that are not only opening holes for the running backs but keeping a clean pocket for Walker. The line is anchored by 6’5, 300-pound offensive tackle Caden Moss, the top ranked junior in the state and the fourth ranked offensive linemen in the nation for the class of 2027.
The MRA defense has been stout, giving up just 22 points per game against some very formidable teams. The Patriots held Tennessee public school powerhouses Ravenwood and Collierville to 28 and 37 points. They’ve been especially stingy back in-state giving up just six points to Jefferson Davis County, 21 to Hartfield and 21 to Jackson Prep. Senior defensive lineman Curtis Gentry will be a big factor in slowing down the JA runners. Gentry is second on the team with 26 tackles and leads the way with four tackles for loss and three sacks. The defensive backs provide great support in junior Ty Childress, senior Beckett Strong and senior Jack Ridgway who leads the team with three interceptions and a blocked punt.
“We’re going to have to play our best and don’t give up deep balls over the top,” said Coach Davis. “We’ve improved each week and I think we are close.”
This will be the best offense JA has seen so far as the Patriots can score points in the blink of an eye. MRA is averaging 46 points per game against tough defenses. Senior quarterback Samuel Stockett has been scintillating throwing for 1,459 yards and 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions through five games. Wide receiver Case Thomas has been simply unstoppable to this point. The senior has notched 623 yards on 28 catches and five touchdowns.
“You can see the strong chemistry between them (Stockett and Thomas) and they just keep getting better,” said Coach Davis.
Stockett does spread the wealth around in this high-powered attack as five other receivers have triple digits in yardage. Junior Holt Adams has 13 catches for 203 yards and a touchdown, Senior Will Bizot has 16 catches for 196 yards and a score, sophomore Colson O’Cain has five catches for 159 yards and two touchdowns, junior Jack Dalton has five catches for 100 yards and senior Will Jones has 100 yards and two touchdowns.
If the Raiders focus too much on the pass then the Patriots can sting you with the run. Colson O’Cain has run for 378 yards on 51 carries and scored a whopping ten touchdowns. Not far behind are senior Jaxon Jenkins with 50 carries for 221 yards and two touchdowns, and senior Michael McCrory with 24 carries for 171 yards and two touchdowns.
It'll be a tough test for sure but one this Jackson Academy defense is built for, led by pair of Tennessee Volunteers in senior linebacker TJ White and senior defensive lineman Dereon Albert. Albert leads the team in tackles and has recorded 4 tackles for loss. White already has four sacks and five tackles for loss. Senior safety Carter Mathison is second on the team in tackles and has recorded two interceptions. Junior defensive lineman Jaiden Hulbert has emerged as a force with 25 tackles with five tackles for loss.
“Their two SEC guys are special and could play for anybody,” said Davis. “This is going to come down to who can execute and who’s the most physical. I think the defensive fronts we faced against Ravenwood and Collierville have prepared us well. I love this for our players, to have the opportunity to play these big games.”
This game has the potential to be one for the ages in Mississippi high school football. Incredible offenses and defenses on both sides of the ball. It’s a good thing this game is being played outdoors as the stadium on Sheffield Drive will be packed with the potential to tilt the scoreboard. The only person not invited to be in attendance on Friday night is the fire marshal. Buckle up for this blockbuster at the Brickyard.
JA'S KEYS TO VICTORY
On Offense: Stay balanced. Quarterback Josef Walker has shown the ability to lead the offense with his arm and legs. Pound the football and limit the number of times MRA gets the football.
Spread the ball around in both the running and passing game.
On Defense: Let the big dogs eat. The more pressure the Raiders can get on Samuel Stockett the better to hopefully make him uncomfortable and force mistakes. A bend but don’t break approach to keep everything in front of the defenders could be successful.
MRA'S KEYS TO VICTORY
On Offense: Get the ball out quick. Coach Herbert Davis’ offense is built on yards after the catch with speedy receivers. The Raiders will undoubtedly try to limit receiver Case Thomas, but quarterback Samuel Stockett has proven he has confidence in a talented group of receivers.
On Defense: Stop the run. The Raiders have used the running game to lure defensive backs to the line of scrimmage and then burned them deep. Look for Walker to try to keep the Patriots off balance.
JA AT A GLANCE
Class/Division: Class 4A, District 4 (MAIS)
Record: 4-0
Head Coach: David Duggan
Assistant Coaches: Michael Brinson (Strength and Conditioning), Case Cook, Shay Hodge, Thomas Martin, Rob Triplett, Malcolm Rollins, Michael Turner
The Series: MRA leads the all-time series 15-11.
Last Meeting: MRA won 24-14 in the 2024 regular season.
MRA AT A GLANCE
Class/Division: Class 4A, District 3 (MAIS)
Head Coach: Herbert Davis
Assistant Coaches: Danny White, Matt Walker, John Weaver, Kenny Williams
Record: 3-1
