Canton edges Velma Jackson to open season with 35-28 victory

Canton High School opened the 2025 football season with a statement win, fending off a late push from Velma Jackson to secure a 35-28 road victory Friday night.

The game marked the first win for new head coach Dameon Brown, a Canton graduate who returned to lead the Tigers after four years at Callaway.

“It’s a special feeling to start with a win, but even more meaningful to do it in front of our fans and community,” Brown said after the game. “Velma Jackson always puts up a tough fight, so this one means a lot.”

A slow start, then a spark

Defense dominated the first half, with neither team finding the end zone until the closing minutes of the second quarter. That changed when Mississippi State commit Jayden Cration turned a short screen pass into a 60-yard touchdown, giving Canton the spark it needed.

“He’s our playmaker,” Brown said. “When we need something big, we trust him to make it happen. That play really got us going.”

Canton builds, Velma Jackson rallies

The Tigers found their rhythm after halftime and built a commanding 35-12 lead in the fourth quarter. But turnovers opened the door for Velma Jackson, who quickly scored twice to pull within a touchdown at 35-28 with under three minutes remaining.

Canton’s defense regrouped just in time, covering an onside kick to seal the win.

“I loved the toughness we showed, but we definitely let up late,” Brown admitted. “Closing out games is something we’ll keep working on.”

Looking ahead

The victory comes on the heels of Canton’s first-ever playoff win last season, momentum Brown hopes to carry forward in his debut year.

Next up, the Tigers host Terry in their home opener Friday at 7 p.m., while Velma Jackson will hit the road to face Yazoo County the same night.