Maxwell Donaldson, Gadsden TimesSat, November 29, 2025 at 10:23 PM UTC·2 min readJACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville State football clawed back for a dramatic win over Western Kentucky on Saturday, Nov. 29, to earn a home date in the Conference USA championship game.
After the Gamecocks scored on their first drive, Western Kentucky took over, scoring on three straight drives. The Gamecocks battled back to make it a four-point game at the break with two touchdowns from Caden Creel and a rushing one from Cam Cook.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementGarrison Rippa nailed a 28-yard field goal as time expired for the 37-34 win over the Hilltoppers. Jacksonville State clinched the right to host the CUSA title game on Dec. 5 at 6 p.m.
Jax State keeps it on ground in third quarter
The Gamecocks only threw one pass in the period after halftime, a trick play with Gabe Glover hitting Gavin Wimsatt for 18 yards, in the third quarter. Instead, it relied on its strength with 135 rushing yards, averaging 13.5 a carry. It was helped by long runs from Creel, a 70-yard touchdown, and a 40-yard run by Cook.
Deondre Johnson caps strong second half of season
Johnson only had six catches through the first seven games of the year, totaling 73 yards and no touchdowns. Since errupting for 131 yards and two scores against Middle Tennessee, Johnson has had 369 receiving yards and five scores. He continued that with 122 yards and another acrobatic touchdown before the half.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJax State can't capitalize
The Gamecocks moved it inside the 10 twice and ended up kicking field goals. They also had one blocked from the 21-yard line following a fumble recovery inside their territory. Jax State left points on the board, including late in the game where a score could've all but officially sealed the win.
Maxwell Donaldson covers high school sports, Jax State athletics, the outdoors in Alabama and more for the Gadsden Times. Find him on Twitter/X @_Max_Donaldson and contact him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Jacksonville State football stuns Western Kentucky in latest statement win
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