The Jena Giants traveled to Tioga Thursday night, Oct. 1, looking to end a two-game losing streak against the Indians, but Tioga’s powerful rushing attack proved to be the difference as the Indians defeated Jena 45-26 in Week 5 of the Louisiana high school football season.
Both teams entered the matchup with identical 3-1 records, setting up an important early-season test. Tioga, however, wasted little time taking control, jumping out to a 10-0 lead before carrying a 17-6 advantage into halftime.
The Indians continued to build their lead in the second half, ultimately pulling away for the 45-26 victory.
Tioga’s ground game was the biggest factor throughout the night. The Indians finished with an impressive 359 rushing yards, putting consistent pressure on the Jena defense.
Despite the loss, the Giants continued to find production from their rushing attack.
Senior running back Daniel Hatcher led Jena with 19 carries for 90 yards.
Kaeden Kittlin added 16 carries for 43 yards and a rushing touchdown, while junior quarterback Jonas Jenkins carried the ball 11 times for 38 yards and a touchdown.
Jenkins also completed 5 of 12 passes for 45 yards and a touchdown, connecting with Ken Jones for the Giants’ passing score.
Jena once again showed its willingness to get creative on special teams.
The Giants successfully executed another fake punt, with Logan Thompson connecting with Jonathon Willis on a spectacular 62-yard touchdown pass.
The big play gave Jena a spark and added another memorable special teams play to the Giants’ season.
Defensively, Jena was led by three players who refused to stop battling despite Tioga’s offensive production.
Hayden Deville, Carter Nichols and Logan Thompson each finished with nine tackles.
The loss drops Jena to 3-2 on the season as the Giants now turn their attention to the start of district play and the schedule doesn’t get any easier for Jena.
The Giants will travel to Marksville in Week 6 to take on the undefeated Tigers, who enter the matchup with a perfect 5-0 record.
The game will feature two of the top teams in Division III Non-Select. Marksville currently sits at No. 1 in the power ratings, while Jena is ranked No. 4.
Marksville is led by senior quarterback Devin Lavalais, who has already accounted for 30 touchdowns this season. Lavalais is also a standout basketball player who has helped lead Marksville to two state basketball championships during his career.
The Giants will have their hands full as they begin the district portion of their schedule against one of the state’s top-ranked teams.
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. at Marksville High School’s football stadium.
Fans unable to make the trip to Marksville can watch the game live on the Jena Giant Network at www.jenagiantnetwork.com.
With district play beginning and two highly ranked teams set to collide, the Giants will look to regroup quickly and make a statement against the undefeated Tigers.
