Some have called it a statement win for the Minor football team.

In a top-10 Class 6A, region 6 showdown, the Tigers outlasted visiting Gardendale, 52-28, on Friday night.

The No. 7 Rockets hope to bounce back this Friday in non-region action at Chelsea.

As for last week, it was a back-and-fourth affair for much of the first half, as No. 10 Minor took a 38-28 lead into the locker room. After Gardendale (4-1, 1-1) took a 28-26 lead with 7:11 remaining in the second quarter, Minor (5-0, 3-0) ran away with it.

Senior quarterback JaCure’ Jackson enjoyed a big night for the Tigers, going 15-of-27 through the air for 325 yards and five scores to go with another 68 yards and a touchdown on the ground. One of his favorite targets was Delonte’ Evans, who pulled in three receptions for 73 yards and two scores.

In total, Minor went for 384 yards on a strong Rockets’ defense. Gardendale rolled up 319 yards of offense, but was plagued by 13 penalties for 110 yards in the loss.

Running back Demetrius King got things started for the visitors, running in from 4 yards out for an early 7-6 lead, but Minor’s Yul Gowdy answered on the ensuing kick off to retake the lead.

The Rockets came right back when quarterback Michael Crowder went to Stephen Lancaster from 43 yards out, putting them ahead 14-12 in the first quarter. The final score of the frame went 17 yards from Crowder to Kevin Howard for a 21-18 advantage.

With 7:11 remaining in the second, Gardendale’s Omari Burton powered in a short touchdown run for a 28-26 lead, but it was all Minor from there. Burton finished the night with 111 yards rushing and the touchdown on 20 carries.

Erik Harris is the Sports Editor of The North Jefferson News. Email him at njnsports@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jeharris2.