National Media & Showcase Platform
FloridaHigh School Football

Madison County Edges Hawthorne, Wins Sixth Title

0 Comment0127
Email, RSS Follow
Pin It
Print


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.

Share
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.

Related Articles

FloridaHigh School Football October 26, 20240

JV Championship Series: Homestead Outlasts North Miami 26-22

Follow Miami Gardens, FL- The Homestead Broncos Junior Varsity Team earned a birth in the inaugural Football Hotbed JV Championship Series Final this week outlasting the North Miami Pioneers 26-22.  It was a thrilling match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The Broncos showcased their resilience and teamwork, coming from behind to secure the victory. The game was marked by impressive plays, with standout performances from both teams.  The game’s overall MVP was 2027 quarterback Jahmir McCall of Homestead High.  The Broncos’ quarterback delivered a stellar performance, throwing two touchdown passes and maintaining composure under pressure. Freshman running back Jermaine Green caught the first touchdown reception out of the backfield and the go-ahead touchdown was secured by 2028 wide receiver Gemani Smith. Meanwhile, the defense held strong during critical moments, thwarting the Pioneers’ advances with key tackles and interceptions.  The game sealing pass deflection was made by 2028 defensive back Leone Leonidas. The Pioneers played an excellent game, especially offensively led by their sophomore quarterback, Chammbrayy Campbell.  He hooked up with North Miami 2027 wide out Michael Cabre to open the game’s scoring.  The post-corner pass was perfect and Cabre made a great adjustment to the ball for the touchdown reception. Overall, the Pioneers couldn’t overcome playing sloppy toward the end of the game as turnovers and penalties killed drives.  They turned the ball over with a fumble into the endzone and had an interception on the 1-yard line on drives that would have probably ended up as scores. On the final drive of the game, the Pioneers were thwarted by the Homestead defense that had bended but not broken all game.  As the Broncos celebrated their hard-fought win, they set their sights on the upcoming final, determined to bring home the championship trophy. The team’s coaches praised the players’ dedication and spirit, acknowledging their hard work and commitment throughout the season. Fans and community members eagerly anticipate the final match, ready to support their team with unwavering enthusiasm.The historic Football Hotbed event for Junior Varsity teams is full-sanctioned by the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) who is enthusiastic about the events promise in years to come.  Homestead will play Miami Central in the championship held this coming week.   Jahmir McCall with the Portal 305 and Olin Cushion, III JV Championship Series Highlights: Check out this amazing pass and catch from @NMPioneer_FB junior varsity standouts 2027 QB CHAMMBRAYY CAMPBELL to WR MICHAEL CABRE #hotbedworld vid by @ChrisFodde @FHSAA pic.twitter.com/aFXfa8zLf6— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Photos: JV Championship Series @HSHBroncos and @NMPioneer_FB made history. #hotbedworld https://t.co/VWfp1x7Npw— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) October 26, 2024 Arties Knight, head JV Football Coach, Homestead High

Florida May 21, 20240

Spring Football Excitement Across South Florida

Follow There has been a tremendous amount of excitement across South Florida the past several weeks as teams have begun wrapping up spring practices and having inter-squad scrimmages and spring games. These scrimmages and games are an early indicator of the skill and talent level each school will look to display come the fall.  Once again, South Florida took the majority of the state’s football championships at the Metro Division level that is now defunct. Columbus, St. Thomas Aquinas and Chaminade won the 4M, 3M and 1M titles respectively.  Miami Norland finished as the runner up to Tampa’s Berkley Catholic High School.  This spring, established coaches like Southridge’s Pierre Senatus are upbeat about their program’s potential after having a few seasons under his belt.  In juxtaposition, Miami Northwestern’s first year head coach, NFL Veteran Teddy Bridgewater, is working out the kinks after his first intersquad scrimmage and spring game.  Stay with Footballhotbed.com for the developments of this off season across the Southeast. SPRING PRACTICE: Caught up with head coach Pierre Senatus @LifeCoachPierre on the first day of spring practice in year three of his tenure, fresh off a deep playoff run. #hotbedworld @Brandon_Odoi pic.twitter.com/z0u6AQzqjh— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) April 30, 2024 Coach @teddyb_h2o 🗣️NFL Veteran QB Teddy Bridgewater in his first appearance as head coach at Miami Northwestern during his school's first spring scrimmage talks organization and effort. #hotbedworld pic.twitter.com/r7oOKmiew7— Football Hotbed (@FootballHotbed) May 5, 2024

Brandon OdoifeatureFlorida April 25, 20240

Under the Radar Spotlight: 2026 LB Demitris Mincey

Follow Fort Lauderdale, FL– The linebacker position is…

Leave a Reply