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BATON ROUGE, La. - History was made at AW Mumford Stadium as the sold-out crowd witnessed an electrifying showdown in the 2023 Boombox Classic. The Jackson State Tigers (2-1) clashed with the Southern University Jaguars (0-2), and it marked the first sellout on the Bluff since 2000. This thrilling encounter was more than just a football game; it was a clash of legacies, and for Jackson State, it was about redemption after suffering a loss in the Orange Blossom Classic the week prior.
The early stages of the game were marked by a fierce defensive battle, and for the first 12 minutes, the scoreboard remained untouched. It was late in the first quarter, with the Jaguars on their own 34-yard line, that quarterback Harold Blood unleashed a deep pass to August Pitre down the right sideline, putting the Jags up 7-0. The crowd erupted with fan excitement as the Jaguars took the lead.
But Jackson State, now with Head Coach TC Taylor on the sideline, showed their mettle. Desmond Moultrie, the Tigers' talented playmaker, brushed off would-be tacklers and surged into the endzone, leveling the score at 7-7. The Tigers were focused and determined, refusing to let adversity hold them back.
As the game pressed on, the Tigers' offense, led by Jason Brown, found their rhythm. Midway through the second quarter, Brown scrambled, buying precious time, before connecting with Rico Powers. Rodney Johnson's missed tackle turned into a costly mistake for the Jaguars as Powers sprinted for the endzone. Jackson State seized a 13-7 lead, showcasing their dominating presence on the field.
Southern University rallied on their next drive, thanks in part to 15-yard penalties against the Tigers' defense. On first and goal, Blood attempted a pass to the back of the endzone, but it was intercepted by B.J. Washington, leaving the Jaguars frustrated.
Jackson State entered halftime with a 13-7 lead, their grit and determination evident. The Tigers knew that this Boombox Classic victory meant more than just a mark in the win column; it symbolized their resurgence after a challenging start to the season.
In the second half, the Tigers continued to surge forward with touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters, showcasing their unyielding strength. The Jaguars fought back with a touchdown of their own in the final quarter, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Tigers' dominant performance.
As the final whistle blew, the Jackson State Tigers turned off the lights on Southern University, securing their third-straight Boombox Classic victory. For Jackson State, this win was more than just a triumph on the football field; it was a statement of their resilience and determination. After a setback in the Orange Blossom Classic, they had found their groove and recaptured the essence of their football legacy.
In the end, the 2023 Boombox Classic will be remembered as a night of electric plays, dominating performances, and a victorious redemption story for the Jackson State Tigers, leaving their fans thrilled and eager for what the rest of the season has in store.