Robert Bradford

For The North Jefferson News



MORRIS — The Mortimer Jordan Blue Devils celebrated Homecoming 2007 with a 26-6 win over the Hayden Wildcats thanks to senior place kicker Tyler Kimbrough’s four field goals.

The victory, along with Gardendale’s loss to Erwin keeps the Blue Devils playoff hopes alive with one region game to play.

Jordan’s defense held on Hayden’s first possession and forced a punt.

The punt was blocked and was recovered at the Hayden 4-yard line. Skylar Myrick then ran in for the score on the next play from scrimmage.

Kimbrough added the point-after to put Jordan up 7-0 with 9:57 remaining in the first quarter. Jordan would add three more first quarter points on a 49-yard field goal by Kimbrough with 4:02 to give the Blue Devils a 10-0 lead.

Jordan extended the lead to 13-0 on a 26-yard field goal by Kimbrough early in the second quarter.

Hayden’s Gavin Brown set up his 6-yard touchdown run with a 54-yard run. After a bad snap, the Cats pass attempt for a 2-point conversion failed, but the Jordan lead was now only 13-6 with 8:37 left in the first half.

Jordan’s Kimbrough was true on a 28-yard field goal with 3:05 on the first half clock. The score read Jordan 16-6.

The Blue Devils added a late touchdown before halftime when John Kelly Pate ran in from 4 yards out.

Kimbrough added the point-after to give Jordan a 23 – 6 halftime lead. Jordan’s Kimbrough would add his fourth field goal of the night from 27 yards with 4:35 remaining in the third quarter.

Jordan’s John Kelly Pate lead all rushers with 130 yards on 10 carries, Skylar Myrick added 43 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.

Mortimer Jordan’s leading rusher Brent Nation, who has rushed for more than 800 yards this year, did not play and was not in uniform on Friday night.

Hayden’s Gavin Brown had 73 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown. Brown also had three catches for 21 yards.

Hayden’s Jason Warden added 56 yards on 10 rushes and hauled in two passes for 22 yards. Hayden’s Owen Hargett played tough in a losing effort, as he recorded 14 solo tackles.

Jordan out-gained Hayden 292 to 213 in total yardage.

The win improves Jordan to (4-4 overall, 3-3 in 5A, Region 6 play) while Hayden drops to (0-8, 0-6).

If Mortimer Jordan can defeat Springville next week, the Blue Devils only need Cullman to defeat Gardendale to reach the postseason.

Jordan holds a tie-breaker over the Rockets with their 24-23 win over Gardendale on Sept. 14.