GREENVILLE, N.C. – In a Big Carolina Conference battle that lived up to the billing, No. 18 J.H. Rose made the ultimate closing response against No. 24 Jacksonville.
After the Cardinals took the lead with less than two minutes remaining, a 50-yard game-winning touchdown pass from receiver Kasyn Chase to fellow wideout Shammah Cabell lifted the Rampants to a 28-26 victory over the Cardinals.
The win gives J.H. Rose its best start since the 2014 season when they began that campaign with an 8-0 record. It’s also the Rampants first win over the Cardinals since Sept. 16, 2022.
Coming soon – View and purchase photos: Jacksonville at J.H. Rose football (Oct. 9, 2026)
A photo finish was in store between two of the best programs in eastern North Carolina. As the Rampants tried to reach pay dirt halfway through the fourth, a big stop on fourth down from the Jacksonville defense gave the visitors a chance to go back in front.
Judah Bloomfield got through the J.H. Rose defensive line to stuff a rushing attempt at the line of scrimmage. The Cardinals offense patiently worked their way down the field again, but after many attempts from Jimenez and Pearson, it was Josiah Benton’s turn to make an impact.
His 41-yard rushing touchdown put Jacksonville ahead by five with 1:38 remaining. With their undefeated record on the line, the Rampants had a swift and definitive answer.
Despite playing limited snaps in the second half, standout athlete Jaleek Parson set the Rampants up with a big return to midfield. Then, the hosts went to their bag of tricks.
Parson’s return set up the clutch double pass as Davis sent a lateral to Chase who hit a wide open Cabell down the middle of the field. 23 seconds after surrendering the lead, it was pandemonium on the home sideline.
Jacksonville did have one final possession to win the contest late, but a costly mistake ended their chances. A Benton fumble forced by Rampants defensive end Jayden Webb and recovered by cornerback Ethan Johnson sealed the deal on another key victory for J.H. Rose.
In the first quarter, a methodical opening drive from the Cardinals helped them reach pay dirt quickly. After a key fourth down conversion from Amari Pearson helped Jacksonville retain possession, Montez Jimenez rushed for a one-yard score to put the visitors on the board.
The Rampants (7-0, 2-0) countered with a quality opening statement of their own. Chase Davis found Daran Bell on a couple of big completions to quickly get the hosts in plus territory.
However, a bad snap over Davis’ head set Rose back 19 yards, but they found a way to make something happen. After Davis found Kasyn Chase on a 17-yard completion on third-and-29, the senior quarterback found Bell again on a 21-yard touchdown connection to put the hosts ahead, 7-6.
Each team traded punts on their next possessions, but the scoring continued as the second quarter commenced. The Cardinals (4-2, 1-1) rushing attack kept their early momentum going as a three-yard rushing touchdown by Amari Pearson put Jacksonville ahead, 14-7 halfway through the period.
The Rampants wasted little time tying the contest thanks to a one-play touchdown drive. Davis found Shammah Cabell in the flat and the senior wide receiver made multiple defenders miss en route to a 66-yard score 18 seconds after Jacksonville went in front.
The methodical and efficient Jacksonville rushing attack kept their foot on the gas as the first half wound down. Pearson rushed for his second touchdown of the quarter getting in from 12-yards out to take a 20-14 lead into halftime.
It appeared that the Cardinals were going to go down and score to go up two possessions. However, a Pearson rushing touchdown was negated by an illegal blindside block.
One play later, an interception by the Rampants defense changed the complexion of the second half. Mahkai Gibbs picked off a Josiah Benton pass to end what was a promising drive from the Cardinals.
Rose took their newfound momentum and converted it into points. Following a methodical drive of their own, Davis found Cabell for a seven-yard touchdown late in the third quarter to put the Rampants ahead by one going into the fourth quarter.
The Rampants travel to White Oak next Friday for another Big Carolina conference tilt. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are also in action next Friday as they host South Central.