MORE PHOTOS AT BOTTOM OF STORY

Story and photos by Donald Traxler

Heath Jackson, Ada High School graduate and BGSU red-shirt junior wide receiver, scored his first ever touchdown reception for the Falcons in their 28-7 homecoming win over the University of Massachusetts Minutemen at Doyt L. Perry Stadium. 

The Falcons are now 5-1 on the season and 3-0 in the Mid American Conference, East Division.  The homecoming crowd of 13,799 witnessed a stingy BG defense with the Minutemen scoring their only touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the second string defense.

Jackson has been used primarily on special teams.  He came into the game when one of the #1 wide receivers went down with an injury. He caught passes of 4, 13, and 7 yards and ran for a first down on each of those plays. His touchdown reception of nine yards came at the 5:10 mark of the third quarter. The Falcon offensive team was ecstatic for Heath and several players lifted him high in the end zone following the touchdown.

Falcon head coach Dave Clawson heaped great praise on Jackson in the post-game media press conference.  “Heath deserves so much credit for what he has done for our team.  He’s been plagued with injuries for much of his career here and has not had the success that he and the coaching staff had anticipated when he arrived on campus.  But he is such a dedicated and hard worker and has overcome all the adversity he has faced and really stepped up today when his number was called. His head is always in the game and we didn’t miss a beat when he came in and made a number of great plays for us.”

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Matt Johnson remarked, “Heath contributed so much when he came into the game. He works hard and is always prepared to do his job.  He had three great runs after catches for first downs and ran a great route and was wide open in the end zone for his first BG touchdown reception. We were all so happy for him.”

The Falcons travel to Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi on Saturday, Oct. 12 to take on Mississippi State and return home Saturday, Oct. 26 to take on traditional rival Toledo in the battle of I-75.

PHOTO IDS:

• David Rush (former Ada football player and graduate) helps remove equipment as he works with the football team and at the Stroh Center with volley ball and basketball

• Falcon red shirt junior wide receiver Heath Jackson on the sidelines as the game begins

• Jackson jumps with joy after his first TD reception

• Jackson gets a hug from a Falcon Assistant Coach as he heads to the locker room after the game

• Jackson is hoisted in the air by three Falcon linemen

•J ackson's big smile is evident as he heads to the sidelines