Duckworth hurls five TD passes, Jackson bashes Cherokee County 69-6 for state title

By EDUARDO MAGAÑA

BIRMINGHAM — Landon Duckworth was 14-of-17 passing for 325 yards and five touchdowns in a record-setting performance to lead No. 1-ranked Jackson to a 69-6 rout of No. 3 Cherokee County in the Class 4A state championship game Friday at Protective Stadium.

It was the second outright state title in school history for the Aggies (14-1), who won 14 straight after a season-opening loss to Class 6A runner-up Saraland in the season opener.

Jackson set a number of Super 7 records, including:

• The largest margin of victory (63 points).

• Duckworth’s five TD passes (tied the record).

The Aggies also set these Super 7 records for a Class 4A team:

• Most points scored in a single game (69).

• Most total offensive yards (546).

• Most total passing yards (331).

• Most passing yards by a quarterback (Duckworth, 325).

Duckworth, who was named the game’s MVP, connected on scoring throws of 18 and 49 yards to Keeyun “Red” Chapman, 31 and 32 yards to Junior Payne and 28 yards to Jamarrion Gordon.

Payne had nine receptions for 155 yards and Chapman four for 142.

Running back E.J. Crowell added 140 yards on 12 carries and three TDs on runs of 67 and 13 yards and 1 yard as Jackson outgained the Warriors (13-2) 546 yards to 169.

Gavin Jackson had a 3-yard scoring run and Keegan Chapman capped the blowout with a 47-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter.

“We started the season a little rough, arguing and not always on the same page, but we came together and set a goal to win this championship,” Duckworth said. “Coach reminded us every day to play as a team and when we did that, everything clicked. We worked hard all year and it paid off today.”

Jackson coach Cody Flournoy echoed Duckworth’s sentiments.

“This championship is the culmination of everything we’ve worked for,” Flournoy said. “Our game plan today was to stop the run and hit some explosive plays and we executed it perfectly. I think everybody got to see what Jackson football is all about.”

Flournoy also lauded Duckworth for his poise and versatility.

“He’s one of those guys who can make something happen even when a play breaks down,” Flournoy said. “He’s a dual threat and every week he amazes us with his ability to deliver, whether it’s with his arm or his feet.”

Reflecting on the team’s journey, Flournoy praised the players’ dedication and their growth throughout the season.

“These guys grew up in our system, coming through our rec league and learning our style,” Flournoy said. “We’ve been watching them for a long time and this win is a testament to their coachability and desire to win. Last year’s third-round loss fueled our resolve and today, it all came together.”

As the Aggies celebrated in the locker room, they shared their thoughts on the significance of their victory.

“We set a goal to play together and achieve something special,” Duckworth said. “This is just the beginning of what this program can do.”