Jacksboro gives Eastland a tough battle, falls 39-22

EASTLAND – Jacksboro knows a few things about battles.

The Tigers are known to give teams a fight, even when taking a loss the last few years. Unbeaten Eastland, which was ranked in some Class 3A Division 1 top-10 polls, had been putting some serious points on the board this year. They were a heavy favorite over the 2-2 Tigers Friday evening.

Jacksboro was also dealing with the loss of five players to different ailments. Despite all that, the Tigers fought and held their own throughout the game. Although the Mavs eventually posted a 39-22 Homecoming Night win, Tiger Coach Brannon Rodgers was still impressed with his squad’s fight.

“We battled throughout the game, which you like to see,” Rodgers said. “We knew playing a tough schedule would get us ready for district and that we’ve done.”

Brandon Fielding would be a thorn in Jacksboro’s side all evening, rushing for 109 yards on 11 carries and four touchdowns. That, combined with 285 passing yards, would signal the Tigers’ doom.

For more on this story, see the Wednesday, October 2 edition of the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette.