Seminoles fall in AAA benefit game at Nettleton

NETTLETON - In a thrilling match-up that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the Osceola Seminoles faced a formidable challenge against the Class 5A Nettleton Raiders at Raider Field.

While the scoreboard may have displayed a 48-26 loss for the Seminoles, the game was a testament to their unwavering determination.

The Seminoles fell behind early as the Raiders used a long pass play to set up a 1-yard run by Zavier Harrell to take a 7-0 lead with 9:36 to play in the opening quarter.

Osceola junior running back Jeremiah Jacobs dives for a couple of yards in the Seminoles AAA benefit game scrimmage at Nettleton Thursday. Jacobs had a few nice runs in the game before leaving the contest in the second period.

Wide receiver Keenan Jackson emerged as a shining star for the Osceola team, making a significant impact moments later snagging a 66-yard scoring pass from Tyler Bell to get within a point at 7-6 with 7:27 to play.

The Raiders scored quickly on their next two possessions as Hampton found receiver Curtez Smith on a 77-yard scoring pass and then again on a 41-yard pass play with 5:17 to play making it 21-6 Raiders.

The Raiders added two more scores early in the second quarter as their aerial game and ground game added two 50-plus yard scores to make it 35-6.

At this point the Seminoles Jackson would make his second impressive play of the game returning the Raiders kickoff 59 yards for a Osceola touchdown. Back Jeremiah Jacobs then added the two-point run to make it 35-14.

Jackson's incredible feat not only narrowed the Raiders lead but also injected a renewed sense of hope and energy into the Seminoles' performance.

His remarkable plays ignited the crowd, filling their sideline with cheers and applause as the Seminoles fought to regain their footing.

The Osceola defense responded with fumble recovery moments later which Jacobs picked up and returned 36 yards to the Raiders six-yard line.

On the next snap, Bell, who demonstrated exceptional resilience and composure against the Raiders defense, found Jackson, who made a diving one-handed catch for a 6-yard touchdown pass to make it 35-20. However, that would be as close as the Seminoles would get.

Nettleton added a pair of touchdowns over the last five minutes of the half, while building a 48-20 lead. Nettleton would take the 28 point cushion to the locker room.

The third quarter, the final one of the game, would be played with a running clock. The Seminoles would get the only score of the period as senior back Chris James rambled around the left side from 9 yards out to set the final score of 48-26. Despite the final score, the game offered valuable insights and lessons for the Seminoles.

Osceola coach Bodie Stane, the offensive mastermind behind the team, provided a candid perspective, stating, "We're better than last year, but we have more work to do."

The Seminoles now prepare to open the regular season with a non-conference clash at Newport. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Greyhound Stadium.