The Harold Jackson era at Jackson State began in dramatic fashion at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson, Miss., Saturday night as the Tigers came from behind to defeat Florida A&M 22-17 in the W. C. Gorden Classic
Jackson State scored the winning touchdown on a 49-yard Hail Mary pass from quarterback LaMontiez Ivy to DeSean McKenzie as time expired to make a winner of Jackson, a former All-Pro wide receiver and one the school’s all-time great players.
“As they say, it’s not over until the fat lady sings, and the fat lady sung on the last play,” said Jackson, who succeeded Rick Comegy as coach when Jackson State didn’t renew Comegy’s contract after he led them to back-to-back SWAC Championship Game appearances..
McKenzie hauled in the winning catch after the ball sailed through the hands of Florida A&M defender Terry Johnson.
Florida A&M appeared to have wrapped up a come-from-behind victory when quarterback Damien Fleming tossed a one-yard touchdown pass to running back Gerald Hearns with 46 seconds remaining in the game. The score capped a 67-yard drive and gave the Rattlers 17-16 lead.
Florida A&M led 10-6 at the half thanks to Fleming’s 21-yard touchdown pass to Dennis Hall with 30 seconds remaining in the second period. Jackson State dominated the game statistically, gaining 439 total yards. But Florida A&M was able to keep the Tigers out of the end zone. Jackson State mustered just two field goals on three trips inside the red zone.
Rakeem Sims, who led all ball-carriers with 117 yards on 19 rushing attempt put the Tigers ahead 13-10 with a one-yard touchdown run the third period. Ryan Deising’s 25-yard field goal, his third of the game, early in the fourth quarter extended Jackson State’s lead to 16-10.
