Citronelle vs. Jackson resumes Friday night with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. CT and the game available to stream on NFHS Network for fans who can’t make it to Jackson.
There are major roster swings on both sides after the 2025 season; the matchup will serve as an early measuring stick for returning players and the next wave of college prospects, as outlined in the original coverage by AOL.com.
Key Takeaways
- Jackson returns from a 13-2 2025 season but lost key impact players to college enrollment and transfer.
- Ezavier Crowell is now at Alabama after a prolific season and Landon Duckworth enrolled at South Carolina.
- Citronelle finished 5-6 in 2025 but returns key rushers and defensive leaders who will shape the Wildcats early on.
- The game kicks off at 7:00 p.m. CT and will stream live on the NFHS Network.
Citronelle vs. Jackson roster and quarterback outlook
Jackson enters the season with clear turnover from a 13-2 campaign, losing quarterback Landon Duckworth and feature back Ezavier Crowell to college programs.
Crowell’s move to Alabama and Duckworth’s enrollment at South Carolina create openings at the highest-leverage positions for the Aggies, and Jay Morris projects as the most experienced signal-caller on Jackson’s roster after completing 319 passing yards and two touchdowns across 10 appearances last year.
Morris will have De’corius Jackson as a primary target; Jackson posted 53 receptions for 881 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore, making him the most proven receiving option remaining on the roster.
Citronelle returners and defensive identity
Citronelle brings back meaningful pieces from its 5-6 2025 season, notably two of the team’s top three rushers in Kobe Weaver and Javarris Coleman, who combined regular-season production and scoring presence on early downs.
Weaver compiled 197 rushing yards and five touchdowns while Coleman totaled 334 rushing yards; both figures position the Wildcats to lean on a familiar ground game as they rebuild tempo and consistency on offense.
Defensively, Citronelle’s identity centers on linebacker Timothy Rivers, who led the team with 121 tackles and 12 tackles for loss as a junior, and a secondary duo in Weaver and CC Noyd that combined for 11 interceptions last season.
Citronelle vs. Jackson roster comparison
| Category | Jackson | Citronelle |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 record | 13-2 | 5-6 |
| Key departures | Quarterback Landon Duckworth (enrolled at South Carolina), RB Ezavier Crowell (now at Alabama) | Graduated several players; returning core pieces on offense and defense |
| Top returning playmakers | Jay Morris (319 passing yards, 2 TDs in 10 apps), De’corius Jackson (53 catches, 881 yards) | Kobe Weaver (197 rush yards, 5 TDs), Javarris Coleman (334 rush yards), Timothy Rivers (121 tackles, 12 TFL) |
| Broadcast | Game streams live on NFHS Network at 7:00 p.m. CT | |
Game outlook and matchup dynamics
Jackson’s offensive identity will hinge on how quickly Morris can command the playbook and forge timing with De’corius Jackson as the primary receiving threat.
Without Duckworth and Crowell, the Aggies must replace both passing production and a high-volume rushing attack that fueled their 13-2 run in 2025.
Citronelle should lean on Rivers’ leadership up front and the Weaver–Coleman ground tandem to control tempo and keep Jackson’s new-look offense off the field early in the game.
SEC recruiting pipeline impact
The departures of Ezavier Crowell and Landon Duckworth highlight the immediate pipeline between South Alabama high school programs and Power Five rosters, with Crowell now at Alabama and Duckworth enrolled at South Carolina as reported in the source coverage.
Games like Citronelle vs. Jackson provide tangible recruiting context for area prospects and offer college staffs a live look at players who will feed SEC and ACC rosters in coming seasons.
Local showings this season will matter to evaluators tracking development after these recent enrollments, especially at impact positions like running back and quarterback.
