HERNANDO, Miss. — Cade Rodgers scored four touchdowns to lead the DeSoto Central Jaguars to a defining 42-21 road victory over the Hernando Tigers in an important Region 1-7A game Thursday night.
The win solidifies the Jaguars’ position in the region standings, improving their record to 7-3 overall and 3-1 in region play. The Tigers fall to 6-3 overall and 2-2 in the region.
Rodgers, a consistent offensive leader for the Jaguars, scored twice in the first quarter on a pair of eight-yard runs. He struck again just before halftime, catching a 41-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eric Perry. Rodgers capped his night with a three-yard scoring run in the third quarter.
“He’s done it all year, so it’s not really a surprise,” DeSoto Central coach Will Wolfe said of Rodgers. “He’s a really good player.”
The Jaguars sealed the game in the fourth quarter with touchdown runs from Jayden Burkley and Christian Wilbourn.
Hernando’s offense fought to keep pace, primarily through the air. Quarterback Asher Lawson threw three touchdowns, connecting with Cooper Lankford for an eight-yard score and a 74-yard catch-and-run. Lawson also found Reid Sanders for a 55-yard touchdown late in the game.
Wolfe praised his team’s effort against a tough opponent.
“I was really proud of them. They practiced hard all week in the cold and rain,” Wolfe said. “Hernando has got a really good ball club. They’re really physical… I’m just proud of how our kids played. They just made plays.”
Both teams conclude their regular season with critical home games next Thursday, Nov. 6, per a Mississippi High School Activities Association directive. DeSoto Central will host Tupelo, and Hernando will host Southaven.
Cade Rodgers led the Jaguars with four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving).
The DeSoto Central victory improves their record to 7-3 (3-1 region), while Hernando drops to 6-3 (2-2 region).
Hernando quarterback Asher Lawson threw three touchdowns in the loss, including two to Cooper Lankford.
Photo gallery below is provided courtesy Todd Garner, Teddward Media
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
