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Madison County Edges Hawthorne, Wins Sixth Title

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In the smallest class in Florida, Madison County has dominated in recent years.  The Cowboys won three straight titles from 2017 to 2019 and have been the standard of the class for the last five years.  Other 1A  teams, like last year’s champion Baker, and 2019 runner-up Blountstown have also been in the class’s upper echelon.  

This year, Hawthorne, located just outside of Gainesville, got another shot at a championship after falling to Baker in its first appearance in the state title game last season. Hawthorne beat Madison County last year in the state semifinal 18-14.

The game came down to the final drive of the game.  Madison County punted to Hawthorne with 59 seconds left in the game and the Hornets started the drive at their own 15-yard line.  The Hornets would get to their own 42-yard line with three seconds left.  

Quarterback Tyler Jefferson would fire it downfield hoping for a prayer, but unfortunately for all the Hawthorne faithful that were in attendance, the football would fall harmlessly to the ground.

The Cowboys defeated the Hornets 13-12 at Gene Cox Stadium Saturday night in front of a capacity crowd.  Madison County (11-3), located just east of Tallahassee, won its fourth state championship in five years revenging its loss from the previous year.  

Hawthorne (10-1) led most of the game but the momentum shifted in the fourth quarter.  Hawthorne, attempting to punt from its own 40-yard line had the kick blocked and it was recovered by the Cowboys at the two-yard line.  Jamie “Buck” Hampton would punch it on the ground on the next play (2-point conversion failed).   

Game Story

The Hornets drove into Cowboy territory on its first drive, but a dropped pass fell into the hands of Jonathon Akins to end the drive. 

The Hornets would succeed in scoring in the second quarter as Jefferson found a crease in the middle of the line and ran for a 31-yard touchdown (2-point attempt failed).  Jefferson fumbled the ball just before diving over the end zone with the failed conversion. Hawthorne went for two points after touchdowns all season.  

The Cowboys would take the lead on their next possession.  Junior quarterback Hampton tossed a nine-yard pass to senior Delvin Boatman and the extra point would give Madison County a 7-6 lead.  


Just before the half Jefferson would find the end zone on a 10-yard rush (2-point conversion failed).  The 2023 prospect used his strength to get over the goal line and the score would make it a 12-7 game going into halftime.  

Big Time Players

Tommie House (featured image), Running Back, Madison County – The senior rushed for 85 yards on 16 carries.

Jamie Hampton, Quarterback, Madison County – The junior completed 2 of 4 passes for 39 yards and a touchdown. Hampton also had 12 rushes gaining 51 yards.  

Jonathan Akins, Defensive Back, Madison County – The junior had two interceptions with one he returned for a touchdown, but it was called back because of a block in the back. 

Jaelin Ruth, Defensive End, Hawthorne – The big (6-5, 190) junior was a monster in this game.  He recorded 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Tyler Jefferson, Quarterback, Hawthorne – He was the engine of the Hornets offense. He had 19 carries for 105 yards scoring two touchdowns. The junior completed 5 of his 14 passes for 63 yards.

The win for Madison County moves them into a tie with Chaminade-Madonna for the most successful football program in the last five years and the sixth title moves them into sixth all-time.

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Photos: 3A State Championship, Chaminade Vs Berkeley Previous post

Marcus Benjamin works as the senior writer and editor for FootballHotbed.com. He attended Florida A&M and Florida Memorial University completing a bachelors degree in communications in 2010. He's covered high school football in the South Florida area since 2010 for the Miami Herald, Miami Sports Tribune and ShawSports.net. He is married and lives in Fort, Lauderdale, FL.

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