Tigers Triumph in Celebration Bowl, Making History
First Half Highlights
The game began with South Carolina State receiving the opening kickoff. Jackson State's freshman running back Travis Terrell Jr. showed early promise with a punt return that had Mercedes-Benz Stadium buzzing. However, an unnecessary roughness penalty brought back the score. The Tiger defense played well, not allowing a third-down conversion and holding the Bulldogs to 2.6 yards per carry. In the first quarter, Jackson State nearly scored on its first touch but the play was called back. With under six minutes left in the second quarter, quarterback Jacobian Morgan completed a major 67-yard pass to Isaiah Spencer, getting the Tigers to first and goal. Irv Mulligan then ran it in to secure the touchdown, and the Tigers were up 14-0. After South Carolina State faked a field goal attempt and came short of the marker, Jackson State got the ball on first and 10. Morgan completed a four-yard touchdown pass to Joanes Fortilian on second and goal. The team now holds the record for the most plays of any drive and the most time of possession for any celebration bowl drive: 19 plays in 9:39. The Tigers are up 7-0 early in the second quarter. Ending the first half, South Carolina State blocked and recovered a field goal attempt made by Jackson State. With only one second remaining on the board, the Bulldogs got the ball on first down and threw an interception. Jackson State's Anthony Petty returned the ball to the red zone for 38 yards, but the play was called back after a holding call against the Tigers. Jackson State will get the ball to start the second half.
Second Half Action
The second half started with a wild turn as Jackson State and South Carolina State turned the ball over on consecutive plays. Jackson State opened the half with the ball and it took just two plays before Jacobian Morgan threw an interception to Diego Addison. On the very next play, quarterback Ryan Stubblefield entered the game at quarterback in place of Eric Phoenix, the HBCU player of the year. Stubblefield took a designed quarterback run to the left side and nearly fumbled, but after review the play was overturned and he was called down. South Carolina State will have the ball facing second-and-10 at the Jackson State 33-yard line. With 4:47 left on the board, Jackson State scores its fourth touchdown of the game. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan completed a 14-yard pass to Joanes Fortilien for the score. The Tigers lead 28-7 in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs grab their first points of the game in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Eric Phoenix went on a 3-yard run to secure the touchdown. The score is 21-7, with under 12 minutes of gameplay remaining. Jackson State is still in firm control of the Celebration Bowl entering the fourth quarter. The Tigers haven’t allowed a third-down conversion (South Carolina State is 0-8), they’ve had just as many touchdowns called back as they’ve scored and they’re dominating the time of possession 25:17-13:03.
Final Stats and Analysis
In the end, the SWAC champions, Jackson State, seemed to be in control throughout the contest. They out-rushed South Carolina State 153-30, putting together 383 total yards of offense to the Bulldogs’ 211. Quarterback Jacobian Morgan threw for 233 yards and two passing touchdowns — both to wide receiver Joanes Fortilien. This victory is a significant milestone for the Jackson State program and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. It is a moment that will be remembered for years to come.