Lexington may not have a big city feel, but its biggest star certainly shines when the lights are brightest. Jarred Kerr left his mark on both sides of the ball, leading 3A-2 No. 7 Lexington to a 35-34 win over 3A-1 No. 6 Rockdale Friday night.

Kerr had a hand in all five Eagles touchdowns and also led the team’s defensive effort. He rushed for 222 yards and three touchdowns and passed for another 46 yards and two more touchdowns. When Rockdale’s high-scoring offense had the ball, Kerr led a swarming Eagles’ defense with 15 tackles, including 12 solo.

While Kerr led the way, Lexington coach Kirk Muhl said the rest of the Eagles, especially the offensive line, pulled their weight as well.

“Jarred is dynamic for sure, but this game hinged on our offensive line blocking well,” Muhl said. “Our line started off playing well and that allowed us to control the pace of the game.”

Kerr gave Lexington a 35-21 lead with a 67-yard run late in the third. The Eagles then held off a late Rockdale rally. The Tigers pulled within 35-34 with a minute left on Cam’Ron Valdez’s touchdown run, then decided to go for the win instead of kicking an extra point that might have forced overtime. Rockdale coach Jeff Miller’s decision didn’t surprise Muhl.

“We were dog tired, and they were tired too,” he said. “I thought they might go for two there at the end. In these [non-district games], I’m not sure anyone really wants to play overtime games.”

Muhl’s had an idea of what Rockdale might try and do to win the game, and the Eagles dialed up the correct call. Pressure forced Rockdale quarterback Kobe Mitchell from his first read, and Kerr and Jeremiah Jackson got to the scrambling quarterback before he could cross the goal line.

The Eagles continue their resurgent start after a 2019 regular season where a young team struggled to come of age. That young team found success late, making the playoffs and advancing to the third round, and carried it into the offseason. The Eagles returned eight offensive starters and nine defensive starters from last year’s team, and they’re playing like a veteran team.

“The experience we gained last year was huge,” Muhl said. “We took our lumps but we stayed with it. Once we got the puzzle together, we took off. When you end the season on a high note like that, they want more this year.”

And they’re getting it. Muhl said each Eagle knows and has accepted their role, and focusing on executing that has led to success.

“Everyone has a role and they take it to heart,” Muhl said. “That’s the sign of a good team. We are playing well together and enjoying the team concept.”

One that’s getting better – and more confident – following a big win over a ranked rival.

“This win shows us that we can play with anybody out there,” Muhl said. “Rockdale has so many weapons and they make you cover every part of the field. That’s why we play games like this. They are a rival and it was a playoff-type game. If we do things the right way, we can win some big ball games.”

Lexington will get another test this week against Cameron Yoe, and they’ll open District 13-3A-2 play the following week against ninth-ranked Franklin.

“Both of those teams are right up there with Rockdale,” Muhl said. “We need to be confident and humble and keep doing the things we’re doing.”