Aurora – Tyler Jackson had a good season on Saturday afternoon.
Douglas County’s senior defensive back, one of Colorado’s better recruits, had a defender’s dream stretch in the third quarter by intercepting three passes and returning a fumble for a touchdown in 8 minutes, 26 seconds, as he awakened the previously lethargic Huskies and paced their 28th victory in 31 games.
Jackson’s theft binge ignited a 27-point quarter for Douglas County, which rolled Rangeview 48-36 in a Class 5A Continental League game.
“We just had to come out (in the second half) and send a message that we have to play hard,” said Jackson, who helped lift Douglas County, ranked No. 3 in the Denver Post/9News 5A poll, to 4-0 overall and in league. “We have to be better mentally.”
Huskies coach Jeff Ketron concurred after watching his team ho-hum its way to a 14-6 halftime lead.
“It was a typical Saturday,” he said. “As kids, they’re just not mature enough to handle the different aspects, the heat, that it’s on a Saturday, on the road. We had some kids suspended and we haven’t been healthy all year.”
However, Jackson, who also defensed three passes in the first half, took over. After Jose Astorga (176 yards rushing) scored the first of his three touchdowns for a 21-14 lead, Jackson created four turnovers on Rangeview’s next 11 snaps from scrimmage, including returning a fumble 28 yards for a touchdown. In all, his big plays led to 20 points.
“That’s why he’s highly recruited,” Ketron said. “No question about it, he’s a difference-maker.”
Said Jackson, who has a 3.9 grade-point average and lists offers from Air Force, Colorado State, Kansas, Washington State and Wyoming, “It was a fun game and good we got the win.”
On the other side, the Raiders (1-3) have had trouble after halftime and scored three times late to make it appear close.
“We gave up a 21-point burst last week (to Highlands Ranch) and 27 this week,” coach Dave Gonzales said. “I mean, Douglas County is a team that will take advantage of opportunities.”
Douglas County 0 14 27 7 – 48
Rangeview 6 0 8 22 – 36
R – McPeek 1 run (kick failed). DC – Misare 36 run (Romano kick). DC – Misare 5 run (Romano kick). R – McPeek 9 run (Gunn pass from McPeek). DC – Astorga 65 run (Romano kick). DC – Astorga 12 run (Romano kick). DC – Jackson 28 fumble return (Romano kick). DC – FG Romano 29. DC – FG Romano 25. DC – Astorga 8 run (Romano kick). R – Gunn 28 pass from McPeek (McLemore pass from McPeek). R – Lucas 69 fumble return (run failed). R – Baca 25 run (Gunn pass from McPeek).
Staff writer Neil H. Devlin can be reached at 303-954-1714 or at ndevlin@denverpost.com.
