The Mary Persons Bulldogs claimed bragging rights in the annual Backyard Brawl, pulling away in the second half to secure a rainy night win 23-10 over rival Jackson on Friday night at Dan Pitts Stadium.
The Bulldogs led 16–3 at halftime behind two touchdown runs from LJ Zellner and a blocked punt that resulted in a safety.
Jackson cut into the deficit late in the first half with a field goal after an interception. After intermission, the Red Devils added their lone TD of night when Jaison McCall intercepted a Mac Nelson pass and returned it for a score. Mary Persons’ defense clamped down tighter and did not allow another Jackson score. The key play was a Jordan Singleton intercepted pass which thwarted a late Devil drive with under six minutes to play.
Zellner added steady production on the ground, while CJ Banks provided a spark with several key carries. The Bulldogs’ offense tacked on an insurance score when Mason Stephens took a pass from Mac Nelson breaking loose for a 66 yard score to put the game out of reach with under three minutes to play.
With the victory, Mary Persons not only improves its record but also strengthens its considerable dominance of one of Middle Georgia’s most heated rivalries. The Dogs face Butler next week.
