PREPS: Raw Emotion

High school football playoffs got underway tonight and it wasn't just any playoff game for the East Jackson Eagles. The school is only in their 3rd year, but the Region 8-AA team shocked everyone placing 2nd in their division, finishing the regular season with a 9-1 record, and securing a first ever playoff berth. The emotions were raw on that field as the Eagles kept the lead from start to finish with a 27-14 win over the Manchester Blue Devils.
One particular Eagle shined the brightest tonight, scoring 2 touchdowns and snagging an interception to shut down the Blue Devils in the red zone. Tyler Collins sat with tears streaming down his face on the bench during the final moments of the 4th quarter. When the last second ticked off the clock I followed him as he gave a few tearful hugs to teammates. This was Eagles history in the making and it was a wonderful thing to document.

Read the story here.


East Jackson cheerleaders do the "chicken dance" to entertain the crowd before the Eagles 27-14 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils in the first round of the Class AA playoffs Friday night at Eagle Stadium in Commerce.


An East Jackson Eagle is on display at Eagle Stadium in Commerce.


The East Jackson Eagles take the field.


East Jackson's Deon Sewell bursts through a tackle in the 1st half.


East Jackson's CJ Allen runs the ball in the 3rd quarter.


East Jackson's CJ Allen stretches out for a touchdown in the first half.


East Jackson assistant coach Wesley Wheeler celebrates with players after a touchdown in the 2nd quarter.


East Jackson's Tyler Collins screams as he scores a touchdown with Manchester's Tremane Kelley trailing in the 2nd quarter.


Manchester's Jumaane Brawner breaks a tackle in the second half.


East Jackson's Deon Sewell bursts through a hole up the middle in the 4th quarter.


East Jackson's Tyler Collins celebrates after making an interception to stop Manchester late in the 2nd quarter.


East Jackson's Tyler Collins gets some air as he goes for extra yardage in the second half.


East Jackson's Derrick Bozeman, right, bumps heads with teammate Tyler Collins in the final moments of the Eagles' 27-14 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils in the first round of the Class AA playoffs Friday night at Eagle Stadium.


Tears of joy streak the face of East Jackson's Derrick Bozeman in the final moments of the Eagles' 27-14 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils in the first round of the Class AA playoffs Friday night at Eagle Stadium.


East Jackson's Tyler Collins, right, cries tears of joy as he hugs teammate Michael Stephens after the Eagles 27-14 victory over the Manchester Blue Devils in the first round of the Class AA playoffs Friday night at Eagle Stadium. Collins scored two touchdowns and made an interception in what was the first playoff game ever for the Eagles.