Southmoore: Jackson Stallings emerging...

By Justin Hite

Of all the players that performed well last Saturday against Edmond North, one made an impact in Southmoore coach Chris Jensen’s mind.

Sophomore tight end Jackson Stallings was asked to replace Austin Haywood this season and so far, he’s done exactly what’s asked of him.

“Austin is not a guy that you can replace, but Jackson, for what we are asking him to do, has really pleased us as an offensive staff,” Jensen said.

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Big plays were the name of the game last Saturday as Southmoore came from behind to beat Edmond North.

There was Kendal Thompson’s 61-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Willis in the second quarter and then Andrew Long’s 75-yard touchdown run a few minutes later.

Long scored on an 80-yard carry in the third quarter and had multiple runs of 40 or more yards sprinkled in throughout the contest.

Because of those big plays, Southmoore didn’t have to grind out any long drives and control the clock. Big plays are always nice to have, but can’t be something the SaberCats get used to.

“You can never count on it and you have to have the discipline to move the ball down the field and not make mistakes,” Southmoore coach Chris Jensen said. “Obviously, big plays are big. They are a back breaker for the defense. … We are capable of it, but you can’t rely on it.”