Tiger defense roars in shutting out Breck in 2020 season opener, 13-0

Offenses got a lot of pub sometimes because it’s more exciting to talk about.

Jacksboro’s defense was the highlight Friday night, holding Breckenridge to a mere 122 yards in a 13-0 win over the visiting Buckaroos before a solid crowd at Tiger Stadium.

While neither team turned the ball over in the contest, which took right at two hours to play, the Purple defense didn’t allow the Bucks on its side of the field the entire second half, allowing just one first down in the final two quarters.

Tiger Coach Brannon Rodgers said running a lot of kids tonight, including giving the younger players a lot of reps can only help down the road.

“We saw some players that maybe able to help us down the road in different roles than even we were expecting,” Rodgers said. “We discovered several kids who will help us.”

Rodgers commended senior Landon Davenport who found himself in a new position at linebacker to start 2020. Davenport also led the team in rushing with 82 yards on 11 totes.

He also led the team in receiving with two catches for 37 yards, all in the first half. After turning the ball over on downs on its opening drive, Jacksboro forced a punt and took over at its 9-yard line. Davenport and quarterback Jordan Yount hooked up for eight yards early in the 12-play series … and then on a 29-yard strike on second-and-long for a pay dirt strike with barely two minutes gone in the second quarter.

Breckenridge tried to score late in the first half, getting into Tiger territory late, but a fumble on fourth down forced a turnover on downs and Jacksboro simply ran out the clock.

After forcing a threeand-out to open the second half, Jacksboro used a bevy or funning backs including Baylor Laake, who got the start at fullback ahead of his brother and took advantage of it. His 11-yard run inside the Breckenridge red zone set up a two-yard scoring run for an insurance score and capped a 58-yard drive.

For the night, Jacksboro had 257 yards of offense. The Tigers will try and continue their strong start with its first road game of the year Friday in Boyd. Rodgers saiys the yellowjackets will be good and be one of the best teams we face.