All the signs pointed to a trap game for Jackson Prep on Thursday. They were coming off an emotional win against their rival Jackson Academy and they had a short week to prepare for a road game against a very legit Newton County team.

Falling behind in the first minute of the game did not help either. On the third play from scrimmage, Robert Malouf was intercepted by Michael Granger who took the turnover and found the end zone.

The Patriots answered later in the first quarter when Kaleb Barlow leaped over the pile for a 1-yard TD. Barlow would also catch a touchdown pass from Pack Toler later in the half that gave Prep a 14-13 lead.

Newton County would not go away and used some eye-opening speed to hang tough with the two-time defending state champs. The Cougars scored late in the 4th quarter and then kept Prep out of the end zone on their final drive. That secured a 31-26 win for Newton County, ending the amazing 27-game win streak for the Patriots.

Jackson Prep will look to regroup and start a new streak next weekend when they visit Pearl.