Jaqurious Blake accounted for two touchdowns, one on offense and one on defense, as the Jefferson County Tigers held on for a 30-24 homecoming win over rival Port Gibson Friday night in the MHSAA Region 7-3A opener for both teams.

Blake had a 16-yard touchdown pass from Rah’Kendrick Reynolds just past the midway point of the third quarter and an interception return for a score early in the second quarter.

JCHS coach James Herrington said the play and leadership of seniors Blake, Reynolds and Jalen Herrington were key in leading the Tigers to a much-needed victory over a good Port Gibson team. But there was one thing he was not pleased with at all.

“Our kids got a little lackadaisical thinking the game was over,” coach Herrington said.

Herrington scored on a 7-yard run late in the third quarter for a 6-0 Tigers lead. Reynolds threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Kemari Clark with 9:35 to go in the second quarter and Herrington ran in for two points for a 14-0 lead.

Blake’s two scores gave Jefferson County a 30-0 lead before Port Gibson quarterback D’Marious Hicks tried to lead the Blue Waves back.

He scored on a 13-yard run with 7:23 left in the third quarter and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Jacory Rankin with 2:30 remaining in the quarter.

Jefferson County (2-4, 1-0) plays at Wilkinson County Friday at 7 p.m.