Willie Harris Shines with a Two Touchdown Performance in Thrilling Comeback Victory
By Dudley Niedermeier
September 17, 2023
OAK VALLEY – It was an afternoon to remember for fans of the Jasper Jackalopes as the team’s rookie wide receiver, Willie Harris, put on a spectacular show, scoring his first two GFL touchdowns in a 33-28 comeback victory against the Oak Valley Acorns. The win moves the Jackalopes to 2-0 on the young season.
Harris showed why he is regarded as one of the most promising talents in the league. The young wide out had a stellar performance, accumulating 8 receptions for 145 yards and one receiving touchdown. He also displayed his versatility by adding a 27-yard touchdown run on his only carry of the game.
Trailing 28-20 midway through the fourth quarter, the Jackalopes mounted an impressive comeback. On a crucial 3rd down and 8 play, quarterback Max Decker delivered a pinpoint 31-yard pass to Harris in the back of the end zone for the first touchdown of the receiver’s career. Although the subsequent two-point conversion fell short, the Jackalopes’ defense forced the Acorns to punt after a three-and-out possession. With the game hanging in the balance late in the 4th quarter, Harris broke free on a 27-yard reverse, dashing down the sideline past defenders on his way to the end zone. The touchdown sealed the Jackalopes’ victory in a thrilling 33-28 finish.
After the loss, the Oak Valley Acorns fall to 1-1 on the season and will travel to Eastridge to play the 1-1 Rockets next week. The 2-0 Jackalopes will host the 0-2 Linston Stallions at the Gridiron Grounds in Jasper next Sunday.