The Gardendale Rockets didn’t let Jackson-Olin squeak in any scores Friday, holding the Mustangs to a 21-0 shutout defeat in the final region game for both teams.

The Rockets’ Jesse Blackburn scored first in the opening quarter on an 11-yard pass from Will Thompson.

In the second, Blackburn found the end zone again on a 17-yard pass from Thompson.

Later in the second, Thompson scored on a 1-yard run, ending the half, and the scoring, at 21-0.

Gardendale had 12 first downs to Jackson-Olin’s eight.

The Rockets had 40 carries for 166 yards. With 65 passing yards, the total offensive yardage was 231.

Gardendale was 6-for-11 in passing with no interceptions. Thompson threw nine of those attempts.

The Mustangs had 36 carries for 119 yards. They lost two yards on passing, ending with 117 total yards on offense.

Jackson-Olin was just 1-for-4 in passing.

Gardendale’s Jordan Howard led on rushing, with 20 carries and 136 yards.

Thompson threw for 6-of-9 with no interceptions.

Blackburn was the leading receiver, with three catches for 31 yards and two touchdowns.

Khaleb Burdette stood out on defense with a blocked punt.

Next week, Gardendale travels to Mortimer Jordan for a game which carries eve more implications than the traditional rivalry. While the Rockets are out of playoff contention, the game may be a must-win for the Blue Devils to secure a tiebreaker in their quest for the final playoff berth in their Class 5A region.

Friday’s game will also be carried by sports radio 97.3-FM WZZK (“The Zone”) as part of the Pat Patrick weekly series.