The Jena Giants got a huge homecoming win last week against Vidalia, setting the stage for another epic showdown in Bunkie this Friday night that may well determine the district championship and have serious playoff ramifications.
It was Homecom ing last Friday night at Guy Campbell Memorial Stadium and JHS alumni from all over would return to see former classmates and reminisce about their days at Jena High. After the pep rally and parade on Friday, the Jena Giants would have another important district game as the Vidalia Vikings would come to town.
The Giants would come into the game as the #1 ranked team in the Division III Non-Select power rankings. The Giants would also look to stay unbeaten in district play while the Vikings would look to pick up their first win in dis-trict play after losing to Buckeye last week. The captains for the Giants would be seniors Sedrick Wilson, Luke Smith, Bubba Stevens, and Cale Parker. Vidalia would win the toss and would receive the opening kickoff.
On Vidalia’s first offensive play they would score on a long 78-yard touchdown pass from Michael Randall to Elmari Lewis to go up 8-0 and quiet the Giants crowd. The Giants, however, would answer immediately as on the kickoff Daniel Hatcher would return it 73 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 8. The Jena defense would settle in and then force Vidalia to either punt or turn it over on downs on their next four offensive possessions.
The Giants would take the lead on an electrifying 71-yard punt return touchdown by Zadrien Cooper to give the Giants a 14-8 lead. The Giants would then get a couple of touchdown runs by Sedrick Wilson and a touchdown catch from Zadrien Cooper to increase their lead to 36-8. The Giants defense would get an interception from linebacker Brian Evans Jr. and Vidalia would get a touchdown late in the half as Jena would take a 36-14 lead into halftime.
The Giants would put the game away early in the 2nd half. Sedrick Wilson would score his third touchdown of the game on a 48-yard touchdown run. The Giants would then get another score as cornerback Jonas Jenkins would intercept a pass and return it 47 yards for a touchdown to give the Giants a 52-14 lead. Daniel Hatcher would add an 18-yard touchdown run and the Giants would go on to win 60-28.
With the win, the Giants improve to 6-1 on the season and 2-0 in district play. Sedrick Wilson would lead the Giants offense with 156 yards on 5 carries and 3 touchdowns. Zadrien Cooper would have a big game for the Giants as he finished with 2 receptions for 39 receiving yards, a receiving touchdown, and a 71-yard punt return touchdown.
Carter Nichols would lead the Giants defense with 7 tackles and 1 tackle for loss. The Giants now set their sights on a huge matchup in Week 8 as they travel to Bunkie to take on the Panthers.
Last year, Bunkie shutout the Giants to end their 20-game district win streak. Both of these teams made it to the semifinals in their divisions a year ago. There will be a lot at stake this Friday night as the winner will most likely be the district champion.
The Giants are also trying to stay at #1 in the power rankings to secure the #1 seed for the playoffs. A win against Bunkie would give the Giants a great chance at holding on to the #1 seed.
Two years ago when Jena traveled to Bunkie, the Jena fans showed up and were loud. The Giants will need that same effort this Friday night so everyone plan to make the trip down to Bunkie. Also bring a chair, as there is not much seating on the visitors’ side. Kickoff will be at 7:00.
If you can’t make it to the game, then you can hear all the action live on 102.7 KJNA starting at 6:00 p.m. with the Cajun Seafood and Specialty Meats Jena Giants Pre-Game show. If you are not in the listening area, then you can download the MIXLR app and search for KJNAFM or go online at www.mixlr.com/kjnafm.
