Traditional independent school football takes the spotlight in southwest Alabama as Jackson Academy travels to Grove Hill to face Clarke Prep. With historical rivalry pride on the line, both squads enter this Friday night showdown prepared for an intense, physical four-quarter battle in the trenches.
Jackson Academy : What to Know
The Jackson Academy Eagles enter seeking a breakthrough performance by leaning into an option-oriented, multiple-pro offensive attack. Jackson Academy uses heavy backfield misdirection, pulling guards, and angle blocking to create running creases between the tackles. Their dual-threat quarterback is heavily involved in designed runs, forcing defensive ends to stay disciplined on the outside. When defenses collapse inside, the Eagles look to strike with play-action passes down the boundary. Defensively, Jackson Academy lines up in an aggressive three-four front, relying on quick outside linebackers to set the edge and contain outside sweeps.
Clarke Prep : What to Know
The Clarke Prep Gators counter with a classic, physically punishing ground-and-pound identity. Clarke Prep operates out of traditional double-tight end and Wing-T sets, utilizing trap blocks, buck sweeps, and power-O plays to test the stamina of the opposing front seven. The Gators prioritize line-of-scrimmage control, looking to grind out four-yard gains on early downs to keep the chains moving. Defensively, Clarke Prep deploys a stout four-four stack alignment, keeping eight defenders near the tackle box to shut down inside running lanes and force opposing passers into uncomfortable passing situations.
Kickoff: Friday, Sept 16, 2026 (7:00 PM CDT) at Clarke Prep School (Grove Hill, AL)
Live Scoreboard & Results Update
| Quarter | Jackson Academy (Away) | Clarke Prep (Home) |
| 1st | 0 | 7 |
| 2nd | 6 | 14 |
| 3rd | 8 | 7 |
| 4th | 0 | 7 |
| FINAL | 14 | 35 |
How to watch
NFHS Network / Clarke County Sports Live
Scoring Summary:
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Q1: Clarke Prep opens the scoring on an eleven-play drive finished by a three-yard fullback dive (PAT Good, 0-7).
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Q2: The Gators extend their lead on a twenty-two-yard buck sweep down the home sideline (PAT Good, 0-14). Jackson Academy gets on the board with a forty-four-yard quarterback scramble (PAT failed, 6-14). Clarke Prep answers right before the break on an eight-yard power run (PAT Good, 6-21).
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Q3: Jackson Academy scores on a twelve-yard option keeper and converts the two-point attempt (14-21). Clarke Prep responds with a fifteen-yard counter-trey touchdown run (PAT Good, 14-28).
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Q4: Clarke Prep controls the fourth quarter clock with an eight-minute ground drive, sealing the victory with a two-yard touchdown dive (PAT Good, 14-35).
