Jaguars Roar Back

Over the past decade the Gene Raffield Football League Jaguars probably have a better record than any of St. Joe’s many athletic teams. So, those who have followed the team were surprised when, in the first game of the season, they lost to Chattahoochee. Ahead 6-0 late in the fourth quarter, the defense gave up a 40-yard touchdown by Chattahoochee who then made the two point conversion.  The game was lost.

The Jaguars reeled off four wins, the first team defense allowing no touchdowns until an 18-6 loss against Blountstown.

With no chance to get in the Super Bowl if they lost again, the Jaguars destroyed an improved Franklin County team, then won again by totally overwhelming Marianna to clinch a Super Bowl spot opposite Blountstown.

The Jaguars built a 14-6 lead at the half.  Another long drive early in the second half they took a 20-6 lead.  Then Blountstown came fighting back.  The Tiger quarterback threw a beautiful touchdown pass onto the fingertips of a streaking wide out that covered 61 yards.  The two-point conversion was good. St. Joe then turned over the ball on downs at the Blountstown 30. The Tigers put it into the end zone with one second left in the ball game.  A two-point conversion would have won the game and the championship.  The Jaguar defense held and the game went into overtime.

Following Big Bend League rules by starting at the 10-yard line, the Jaguars scored in three plays. The conversion was no good. On the first Blountstown play the Port St. Joe defense made a great play driving the Tigers back to the 19.  The Tigers were forced to pass.  Three incompletions later Blountstown was still at the 19 and the game was over.  Final score Jaguars 26-20.