Football Records Postseason Accolades

The East Jackson football team placed 18 players on the All-Region 8-AA teams, the school announced Monday. Quarterback Drew Richardson was named the Region's Athlete of the Year, while defensive end Aaron Blackmon was named All-Region First-Team. 

The Eagles had 10 players named to the Second Team and six named Honorable Mention. Running back Jamarion Parks, wide receivers Branturan Callahan, Brady Saunders and Brooks Saunders were named Second Team Offense, while defensive linemen Paul Jenkins, Lester Jenkins, linebackers Chase Wingfield and Kole Smith were named to the Defensive Second Team. Specialists Gray Albritton and Fletcher Brinkman were named to the Second Team. 

Offensive lineman Connor McAlister, Nick Carpenter and AJ Smith, along with wide receiver Denim Cooper and defensive backs Deston Mitchell and Ryan Lampe were named Honorable Mention.

Richardson finished his junior season with 1,198 yards passing and nine touchdowns, but his impact was made with his legs. Richardson led the team with 1,228 yards rushing (111.64 yards per game), with 16 rushing touchdowns. 

Blackmon finished the season with a team-high 57 tackles, 21 assists, 15 tackles for loss, which included a whopping 10 sacks. Blackmon also recovered two fumbles for the Eagles.

The Eagles qualified for the Class AA playoffs for the second time in three seasons, falling 52-49 to Morgan County in the first round.