JAA Christian College Mocs Drop to 0-2 Following 14-6 Defeat to Andrew College Fighting Tigers

- -Jacksonville,FL

The Jacksonville Mocs first away game took place in Cuthbert, Georgia against the Andrew College Tigers on Saturday, September 14th. The rainy Georgia day set the stage for muddy, smash-mouth football, where physicality was inevitable. The low scoring, defensive game made any one score pivotal. 

Both defenses dominated, allowing only a total of 20 combined points. The Mocs defense impressed, generating three turnovers, along with numerous big plays and stops. Head Coach Nolan Carroll credited the defensive success to the team’s preparation, saying, “The biggest thing this week was understanding our opponent and the tendencies they’ve shown on film. Those guys recognized that throughout the game.” This attention to detail helped the defense maintain their composure through several defensive series, continually giving the offense opportunities to win. 

The game heated up in the final two minutes of the first half, as the defensive battle quickly shifted into a shootout. The Tigers put up the first score of the game with just under two minutes left in the half. The Mocs' offense took the field, eager to respond, but seconds later, the Tigers' defense came up with a huge interception. Refusing to back down, the Mocs defense came back out and took a defensive stand at their own thirty-yard line. Jeremiah Williams answered with a remarkable interception of his own, jumping over the receiver and snatching the ball out of his hands. 

The crucial turnover gave the Mocs' offense the ball back with under 40 seconds remaining in the second quarter. In remarkable fashion, starting quarterback, Wyatt Lagow, led a brilliant 75 yard touchdown drive, going 6-for-7 to close out the half. Showing poise, precision, and confidence, he made the right reads and took advantage of what the defense gave him. When asked how he managed to move the ball downfield so efficiently with such limited time, he explained, "We're good at getting the ball outside to our playmakers and getting them up field and out of bounds. Attacking weaknesses and getting the ball outside is really what helped us move the ball fast." With 7 seconds left on the clock, Lagow connected on a 17-yard back-pylon touchdown pass to Clifton Johnson, who skillfully kept his feet in bounds, making a crucial catch over the defensive back. The game saw one final score from Andrew College in the second half, concluding with a final score of 14-6 in favor of the Tigers.

Despite the defense's remarkable efforts, only allowing 14 points in the game, the team still fell short of victory. The Mocs showed promise, keeping the game close and fighting until the final seconds. One crucial factor of Saturday's game was the field conditions that took a toll on both teams. Players were dropping like flies. Slips, cramps, and mistakes caused by field conditions were evident. The wet and uneven surface affected the flow of play, but when asked about its impact, Coach Nolan dismissed it as a factor. 

He stated, "You can't get in the mindset of thinking the ground is affecting my play. If anything, you've got to use it to your advantage because you know where you're going, you know your job. It's just about executing and playing fast. So we can't think about the elements or how they hindered us." In preparation for the game, the team practiced in the same challenging conditions rather than canceling practice or moving indoors. Coach Nolan emphasized that the elements were not an excuse for the loss, reinforcing the team's need to focus on execution, regardless of the circumstances.

The Mocs are still looking for their first win of the season. With an early bye in Week 3, the team now has a valuable opportunity to address their weaknesses and regroup. After the bye, they will face an 8-game stretch to close out the season, making this the perfect time to shift momentum and finish strong. When asked about the changes heading into the bye week, Coach Nolan emphasized, “We just have to get back to the basics. 

The penalties, not knowing how to line up, turnovers—those are things we can’t afford.” A key part of his strategy has been weeding out the “me guys” and fostering a unified team mentality. Quarterback Wyatt Lagow was also asked what offensive improvements are necessary to generate more points. His response was clear: “If we improve our drop-back passing, it will elevate a key part of our game.” The two-minute drill has already shown promise, and if the offense can replicate those drives consistently, the Mocs could soon turn their offensive unit into a major strength.