BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Cullman turned a tie game after one quarter into a comfortable halftime advantage and continued to pull away Friday night, defeating Jackson-Olin 42-13 in Class 5A, Region 5 play.
Jackson-Olin struck first, and Braxton Brooks secured the ensuing kickoff near the Cullman 30-yard line.
Sophomore running back Parker Smith gained 6 yards on the Bearcats’ first snap, and a personal-foul penalty against the Mustangs moved the ball into Jackson-Olin territory.
Smith then broke another run to approximately the Jackson-Olin 32.
That opening Cullman possession ended on downs when quarterback Colt Colvard was stopped short near the 27. Jackson-Olin crossed midfield on its next series, but multiple holding penalties disrupted the drive.
The Mustangs still held a 7-0 lead with 1:21 remaining in the opening period, but Cullman answered before the quarter ended to pull even at 7-all.
The Bearcats took control during the second quarter, scoring 14 unanswered points to carry a 21-7 lead into halftime.
Cullman continued building its advantage after the break, adding 14 points in the third quarter while Jackson-Olin scored six.
The Bearcats led 35-13 entering the fourth.
Cullman supplied the only points of the final period, completing the 42-13 victory.
The win snapped a five-game losing streak for the Bearcats, marked their first road victory of the season and produced their highest point total of the year.
Cullman improved to 3-6 overall and completed region play at 2-5. Jackson-Olin fell to 2-8 overall and 0-7 in the region.
Both teams entered Friday night eliminated from postseason contention, but Cullman will have an opportunity to close the regular season with consecutive road victories.
The Bearcats travel to West Morgan for a 7 p.m. game Thursday, Oct. 29.
