Jackson Beats McKinley For First Time Since 2007 20-7

Canton, OH: For the first time in 18 years, the Jackson Polar Bears (6-3) took down the McKinley Bulldogs (6-3) 20-7 Friday night at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton. Senior running back Kristian Satterfield led the way on the ground for Jackson, rushing for 84 yards and a touchdown.

First Half

Following a short punt from the Bulldogs on their opening drive, Jackson took over on the McKinley 48. A big completion from Lucas Ecrement to Satterfield moved the Polar Bears down to the three. On the next play, Satterfield took the handoff three yards up the middle for a touchdown, putting Jackson up 7-0 early.

Late in the first quarter, a poor punt and a late hit penalty gave the Polar Bears excellent field position, starting their drive from the McKinley 29. On the sixth play of the possession, Foster Stanley plowed in from a yard out to make it 14-0 Jackson.

With seven minutes left in the half, McKinley began their drive backed up to their own 9. The Bulldogs handed Nino Hill the ball eight straight times and the senior covered all 91 yards, taking a direct snap the last two yards for a touchdown, drawing McKinley closer at 14-7.

Later in the quarter, Jackson began a drive on their 25-yard line with 57 seconds remaining. A personal foul on McKinley gave the Polar Bears a big chunk of yards and Cooper Mizeur nailed a 37-yard field goal to make the score 17-7 Jackson at the half.

Second Half

Jackson received the opening half kickoff and held the ball for over six minutes. On the 11th play of the drive, the Polar Bears called on Mizeur once again, and the junior drilled a 38-yard field goal to extend the lead to 20-7.

With their backs against the wall early in the fourth, McKinley would get into Jackson territory for the first time in the half. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, back-to-back sacks backed them up into their own territory and they were forced to punt.

Jackson would run almost four minutes off the clock before a great punt gave McKinley the ball back at their one. Quarterback Kam Montgomery would complete a couple passes but the Bulldogs ran out of time, giving Jackson a 20-7 victory, their first win over the Bulldogs since 2007.

Keys to the Game

The Polar Bears, despite their lack of size compared to McKinley, won the battle in the trenches. While the Bulldogs held Satterfield under 100 yards, the consistent positive yardage plays kept Jackson drives alive and allowed them to win the time of possession.

As has been a problem throughout the season, McKinley shot themselves in the foot with penalties many times in the contest. Multiple times the Polar Bears were given great field position following personal fouls on the Bulldogs. With the playoffs just two weeks away, McKinley will need to clean up the penalties to make a long run in Division I Region I.

Next Week

With the victory, Jackson has a chance to clinch a share of the Federal League title next Friday night when they host the Hoover Vikings (6-3).

McKinley will look to bounce back next week when they travel to arch rival Massillon (7-2). The Tigers have won the last eight games in the rivalry. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 pm at Paul Brown Tiger Stadium.

Top Performers

Jackson Polar Bears

Kristian Satterfield: 25 carries 84 yards TD

Lucas Encrement: 12-19 164 yards

Foster Stanley: 8 carries 13 yards TD

McKinley Bulldogs

Kam Montgomery: 16-26 202 yards 2 INT

Nino Hill: 14 carries 114 yards TD   2 catches 42 yards

Deejay Britt: 4 catches 79 yards

Scoring Summary

1st  Quarter

Jackson 8:59- Kristian Satterfield, 3-yard run (kick good)

Jackson 0:07- Foster Stanley, 1-yard run (kick good)

2nd Quarter

McKinley 4:25- Nino Hill, 2-yard run (kick good)

Jackson 0:00- Cooper Mizeur 37-yard field goal

3rd Quarter

Jackson 5:59- Cooper Mizeur 38-yard field goal