Smith Co. takes down border rival Jackson Co., secures playoff spot

By Terry Collins Courier Sports

CARTHAGE — The Smith County High Owls football team faced 5-2 Jackson County in Homecoming 2024 last Friday night in Carthage. 

The Owls needed a win to wrap up a playoff berth in Region 3-2A. 

Smith Co. used a 21-0 second half surge to key a 35-14 victory over the Blue Devils to improve to 2-6 overall. 

“I’m proud of our players and coaches for a huge region win,” said Smith County head football coach Matt Dyer. “I’m proud of their effort in this game. Our guys played hard all night and kept fighting.”

Dyer continued, “We got off to a rough start and had a hard time gaining any traction during the first half. We opened with a great kickoff return to start the game but had two turnovers I believe within our first six plays.”

The Owls running game proved to be a big key in the victory as the Owls had 46 rushes for 262 yards with two running backs going over the 100 yard plateau. 

Freshman Kaiden Mason had 16 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown with 103 of those coming in the second half.

Jermaine Cason switched from wide receiver to running back and had 16 rushes for 103 yards and two scores. 

Riley Martin was 7-of-9 in the air for 117 yards and a touchdown while also adding 45 yards on the ground and another score. 

The Owls had their best offensive performance of the season with 379 total yards including 241 in the second half. 

“Jermaine Cason and Kaiden Mason both had a big night for us at the running back position,” said Dyer. “They each eclipsed 100 yards and both scored. They both made some really good runs. Our offense came alive in the second half and started making some big plays. Riley had a good night — throwing the ball, for over 100 yards and did a good job extending drives off script with his legs on some good runs.”

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