Jackson Won Class 4A State Football Championship
Jackson High School defeated Cherokee County in a dominant performance at Protective Stadium on December 6, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Football
Jackson High School secured the Class 4A state football title on December 6, 2026, with a resounding 69-6 victory over Cherokee County at Protective Stadium. The win marked Jackson's first championship since 2011 and capped off a season that saw the team finish with a 14-1 record.
Why it matters
The victory highlights a historic turnaround for the program, which ended a 15-year title drought by executing a game plan that forced their opponent to abandon their traditional run-heavy strategy. For Cherokee County, the result marked a difficult end to a season that concluded with a 13-2 record and a third consecutive championship game loss.
Quarterback Landon Duckworth set a Class 4A Super 7 record by throwing five touchdown passes while completing 14-of-17 attempts for 325 total yards. Additionally, running back Xzavier Crowell gained 140 yards on 12 carries and scored three touchdowns.
The players
Landon Duckworth
He is the Jackson High School quarterback who was named the game MVP after his record-setting performance.
Xzavier Crowell
He is a running back for Jackson who contributed three touchdowns in the state championship victory.
Keeyun Payne
He is a wide receiver who recorded a 49-yard touchdown reception during the championship game.
The details
Jackson established early control by building a 14-0 lead, which successfully forced Cherokee County to deviate from its typical run-only offensive philosophy. The team prioritized explosive plays throughout the contest, including a notable 49-yard touchdown reception by Keeyun Payne.
Timeline
The championship game was played on December 6, 2026.
Jackson previously won a state championship in 2011.
Season Trajectory
Jackson's victory concludes a 14-game winning streak and solidifies their position at the top of the Class 4A hierarchy. The decisive outcome shifts the competitive balance of the division, as Cherokee County suffers its third consecutive defeat on the final stage of the tournament.
Jackson's offensive production set a single-game record for passing touchdowns, significantly inflating the statistical profile of their key playmakers. The result confirms the team's standing as a dominant force in the league entering the following off-season.
The takeaway
Jackson demonstrated how effective game planning—specifically forcing an opponent out of their comfort zone—can lead to blowout results in championship environments. Teams looking to overcome deep playoff runs should focus on balancing explosive passing attacks with disciplined run-stopping fundamentals.
Further reading
For more on high school competition, visit Birmingham Football.
