Jackson’s athleticism and speed were clearly on full display Friday night as the Aggies beat Andalusia 28-6 in a preseason jamboree at Bulldogs Stadium.

As AHS enters the season, the Bulldogs will hang their hats on their varsity’s defense, which made some big stops late in the contest against a quality spread team.

Andalusia’s offense missed some key blocks against a big JHS defense.

Bulldogs head coach Brian Seymore said going in the game he knew how good Jackson was going to be.

“I knew the caliber players and speed they have,” Seymore said. “They’re athletic and physical and that’s what I want to face. That’s what I want to see our kids compete against.”

Jackson took a 7-6 lead in the second quarter as the Aggies’ second string soiled Andalusia’s 6-0 lead on a 75-yard touchdown pass with 55.2 seconds left in the first half.

Andalusia’s only score of the night came in the first quarter with the younger players on the field. Bulldogs running back Marquise Parker scampered in from 1 yard out.

As the second half began, the game was clearly in Jackson’s hands on offense.

Aggies’ freshman receiver Tyler Leggett scored on a 67-yard touchdown rush with 11:30 in the third quarter to get the scoring going and gave JHS a 14-6 lead.

On Andalusia’s first offensive possession, the Bulldogs got a three and out.

After Jackson advanced to the Andalusia 5 yard line, the Bulldogs made their first big stop of the night on a fourth-and-6 play.

After an Andalusia three and out again, Jackson’s Matthew Jordan connected with Jarren Johnson on a 25-yard pass with 2:14 left in the third quarter to make it 21-6.

Andalusia got another good stop on defense again on a fourth-and-6 play from within the 10 yard line.

“I saw some good things on our behalf,” Seymore said. “The defense got backed up on the goal line and they stepped up and made some big plays. I was proud of that.”

After an Andalusia interception, the Aggies took advantage as Jordan connected again for a 23-yard touchdown pass to bring the game to 28-6 with the extra point.

Seymore said there were some “blown assignments” as was seen on defense against JHS’ spread offense.

“Both quarterbacks — Jordan and Caleb Anderson — do a solid job and the receivers have very good hands, run precise routs,” he said. “They make the big plays.”

Andalusia will have to make some big plays next week as it visits rival Straughn in the first game of the season.

Seymore said he knows the team will be ready for the Tigers.

“I think our kids will definitely come out next week with a good work ethic,” he said. “We’ll have a solid week of practice and I think we’ll be ready to go next Friday.”