Jackson Memorial Knocks Off Jackson Liberty for Connor Cup

Featured, Football, High School, Jackson Liberty, Jackson Memorial

October 1, 2022

The Jackson Memorial Jaguars improved to 4-1 on the season with a blowout 34-0 win over the Jackson Liberty Lions, who fell to 2-3 on Friday night lights. This was a big matchup for both teams coming as they are rivals and were fighting to take home the Connor Cup. The Jaguars showed up in a huge way and made a statement tonight to show who is better. They were more locked in from the start and had the game plan ready against Liberty.

Ryan Jagodzinski got things started off for The Jackson Memorial Jaguars with a kickoff return for a touchdown to make it 7-0 right away for the momentum. The game for Liberty as this point as they struggled throughout the game to get anything going.

Quarterback Tai Mann was efficient for Jackson Memorial as he picked apart the Lions' defense for three touchdowns. He played with poise in the pocket and was able to find his man down the field to help extend drives. Mann used his legs effectively as he was able to move the chains on the ground and capped off the scoring with a three-yard rushing touchdown.

Junior wide receiver/free safety Albert D'Alessandro was a highlight reel as he scored three touchdowns and picked off three passes. His first touchdown was a 57-yard touchdown reception from Mann, which extended the Jaguars' lead to 14-0 in the first quarter. D'Alessandro's second touchdown may have been more impactful than the first as it was a 90-yard pick-6 to extend the lead to 21-0 in the second quarter.

The interception was backbreaking for the Lions as they were putting a good drive together, but it led to Jackson Memorial score, instead of a Liberty one. They struggled with turnovers all night as the offense was unable to hold onto the ball. The Lions' defense struggled to contain Mann and D'Alessandro as they carved up Liberty's defense.

The Jackson Memorial Jaguars' defense has been dominant over the past two games as they completed their second consecutive shutdown after their loss to Colts Neck. D'Alessandro has been a turnover machine as he has been responsible for five turnovers over the last two games. The Jaguars have a tough game against Marlboro next week, but they should be in good shape with the way D'Alessandro and the defense have been playing all season.