(BCSNN) - For the first time since 1990, the Ol’ School Bell is back in Jacksonville. Jax State rallied to defeat Troy 17-13 in the 21st annual IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl at Cramton Bowl Tuesday night, renewing the in-state rivalry after a 24-year hiatus.
Playing without Cam Cook, the nation’s leading rusher, the Gamecocks leaned on their defense and timely plays to secure the win before a crowd of 15,721. Jax State intercepted two passes in the second half and held Troy scoreless over the final two quarters.
“It was a great way to bring back an old rivalry,” said head coach Charles Kelly, who capped his first season with a 9-5 record. “Bill Burgess would be proud. Our players never quit, and I’m glad they respected this game the way they did.”
Quarterback Caden Creel earned MVP honors after completing 14-of-20 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown. His 22-yard strike to Brock Rechsteiner gave Jax State an early 7-0 lead. Troy responded with 13 unanswered points, capitalizing on a fumbled flea-flicker and a botched fake punt to take a 13-7 halftime advantage.
The Gamecocks clawed back in the second half. Garrison Rippa drilled a 51-yard field goal to cut the deficit to 13-10, his 37th career make, moving him into third place on the program’s all-time list. Interceptions by Ian Mitchell and Tyrin Taylor flipped momentum, and Andrew Paul’s one-yard direct snap touchdown run with 10:06 left gave Jax State its only lead — one that held.
Deondre Johnson hauled in six passes for 101 yards, his fourth 100-yard outing in the last seven games. Troy managed just 217 total yards, stymied by Jax State’s defense down the stretch.
Cook, limited by injury, finished his season with 1,659 rushing yards — the second-highest total in school history — and remains the nation’s leading rusher by 99 yards.
“It was an electric game,” said safety Caleb Nix. “Such a great ballgame. And I can say that Jax State has never lost to Troy in my lifetime.”
The victory not only capped a resilient season for the Gamecocks but also restored a rivalry trophy that hadn’t been in their possession in 35 years.
