In the first regular season game of the 2023 football season. The Jags took on the Aiken Falcons. The Jaguars got off to a rough start by giving up a game-opening touchdown. The game started to flow on the next drive with a 50-yard rushing touchdown by senior running back Kai Smith. The game was stagnant, going back and forth, up until halftime with a score of 6-6. After a fumble by Shroder in the 3rd quarter, the Aiken Falcons gained some yards and ended the drive with an interception by #25 Randolph Campbell. After a couple of false starts, the Jags found themselves on the 1-yard line, facing a safety. QB #1 Brian Mcgrady connected with #4 'Ant' Collins for a 30-yard passing gain. Going into the 4th quarter Jags punted to make the Aiken Falcons on the 30-yard line. After a great tackle on 3rd down by “Ant” Collins. Aiken turned it over with an interception by #7 Christian Hutchinson. The Jags started off their drive with a 40-yard rush by QB Brian Mcgrady. After going back and forth in the 4th quarter, the Jags were tied with 19 seconds left while being backed up to the 13-yard line.The game was then sealed by the Aiken Falcons with a passing touchdown on a slant.
Overall, this was purely a defensive game being played by both teams. Even though our Jags lost their home opener, there are a lot of positives to look forward to. Shroder gave up big yards a couple of times during the game but buckled down when it mattered most and got a lot of stops. Producing a lot of pressure on the QB throughout the game is one positive to look forward to. Aiken’s QB was under duress throughout the whole game, and the person who excelled in applying pressure was freshman #10 Jaden Allen. Allen got to the backfield multiple times putting pressure on the QB almost always. If our D-line can continue to amass pressure and outside linebackers can blitz the opposing QBs we will be a problem for teams to come. Our secondary having good hands was also a positive that the Jags showed throughout the game. We came away with two interceptions, one by Randolph Campbell and Christian Hutchinson.
