'W' completes JCA: Thunder wins third straight, first at Tommy Miller Field
JACKSONVILLE — Since Jacksonville Christian opened play in what is now known as Tommy Miller Field midway through last season, there has always been a feeling of incompletion.
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That is, until now.
JCA got a pair of rushing touchdowns from Payton Green and a pair of touchdowns from Andrew Bollinger to guide the Thunder to a 26-13 win over Parkway Christian and secure the first home win since moving to their new home field.
Even Miller, the man who has been such an integral part of the program as its coach, found himself caught up in the emotion of the win.
"It's great," Miller said. "It's just another step in the football program from where we started out twenty years ago. Winning one on our home field, that's a great feeling. Everybody wanted this. Three weeks ago when we broke that losing streak, that was big, but we needed to break in to winning on our own field."
The Thunder (3-3, 2-2 Class 1A, Region 5) seized control of the momentum with a steady running game that racked up 211 yards.
Green finished the night with 72 yards on 19 carries and Jacob Bollinger scored on a reverse just before the half.
While JCA's corps of running backs kept Parkway moving backwards, the Thunder defense dominated Parkway's offensive line, sacking Wildcat quarterback J.R. Crooks eight times on the night.
"That was mostly out of a desire to win this game tonight," Miller said. "That front five of ours really put a lot of pressure on them, but that was really just effort. That has a lot to do with us winning."
The win puts JCA at the .500 mark overall and in region play. It also keeps the Thunder's hopes for a possible playoff berth alive. JCA will travel to Ragland next week.
"We're in a position to have a chance at making the playoffs, but it's still a long way to go," Miller said. "There are some real tough teams that we've got to play. It feels good top be at this point in the season and still have a chance.
"It's a big night. We can enjoy this one for 24 hours, maybe, at least 12. Then we'll get ready to play Ragland next week."
