Prattville up next for 1-0 Jags

The Jaguars kicked off the 2013 season with a hard-fought 23-14 victory over Austin High.

Led by running back Otis Harris and excellent blocking by the offensive line, Coach Shawn Raney was able to breathe a sigh of relief in his head-coaching debut.

Harris finished the night with two touchdowns and accounted for 188 of the Jaguars’ 344 yards of offense. Quarterback Mickey Forrest was 20-33 for 162 yards and one touchdown, while receivers Dalton Brown caught two passes for 44 yards and one touchdown and Derek Williams caught five passes for 37 yards.

Raney’s defensive unit was able to contain the Black Bears, holding Austin to 285 total yards and 87 yards rushing. Michael Jackson accounted for two interceptions, while Drew Moore led the team with nine tackles and one sack.

This week, Spain Park heads south to open 6A Region 4 play against powerhouse Prattville. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Last week, Prattville lost its third straight opener to Carver-Montgomery 20-7. The Lions were unable to establish an offensive rhythm even behind star back Kamryn Pettway, who finished with 76 yards on 21 carries.

This year marks the 12th season of football at Spain Park High School, and the second year to be a member of Region 4, and the reigning champion. Friday night will be the third all-time meeting between the two schools with the Jaguars winning the 2012 contest 27-20. This game will showcase two of the states best running backs in Spain Park’s Otis Harris, and Prattville’s Pettway, who has committed to Auburn. The key to this game will be which team can establish the running game and protect the ball.

– Information from Tony Hendrix / spfootball.com