Jimtown High School

Jimmies battle elements in victory over Dowagiac (wire services) DOWAGIAC, MI -Sometimes that two-minute drill pays big dividends. In fact, it was less than two minutes that it took Jimtown to turn the game around and bring the Jimmies a 40-14 victory Friday night (10.16.26) in high school football over the Chieftains of Dowagiac. This first-ever meeting between these interstate teams was played on a soggy field (after raining most of the day) with a strong wind that factored into passing and kicking the ball. Jimtown coach Cody Vincent reported that the Jimmies got the ball with just 40 seconds left in the first half and were able to score in three plays to take a 12-8 lead at the intermission. “That gave our team the confidence and momentum we needed to win the game,” he related. The key play was a 35-yard pass play from quarterback Cam Inbody to Zander Whitaker for the touchdown. It was Jimtown’s only completion in the game; its ground game in the second half wore down the Chieftains, who didn’t score again until just 46 seconds were left in the game. Vincent hopes this momentum will carry over to Friday night, when the Jimmies play host to Tippecanoe Valley in the first round of the Indiana playoffs. The Vikings escaped with a 17-15 win over the Jimmies during the season. The Jimmies now sport a 6-3 record, erasing the sting of a 2-7 campaign in 2025. Statistics show they tied for fifth in the state in improvement. Jimtown's program was hurt with the season-ending loss of Murphy DiPiro, who fractured his leg in last Friday’s victory over LaVille. He is Jimtown’s primary kicker, as well as playing as a receiver and defensive back. Even in the mud and sludge, the Jimmies were able to rush for 353 yards, which ate up the clock and ruined Dowagiac’s efforts. Nash Hamby led the way with 165 yards, including one dash for 46; he scored a pair of TDs. Nate Guthrie added 88 yards and two scores, with the longest at 40. And Ben Andresen had a 46-yard gallop for a TD. “This proved to be a tough game,” Vincent said. “Dowagiac played hard and was a great opponent, especially in the first half. “I was really pleased with the team's effort in this game,” he continued. “We were much improved from our week 8 performance against LaVille. The team is very eager and excited to begin sectional play against Tippecanoe Valley…” Scoring: Jimtown 0 12 0 28 40 Dowagiac 0 8 0 6 14 Statistics Jimtown Dowagiac First Downs 12 10 Rushing Yards 353 203 Passing Yards 25 48 Passes 1/2/0 2/8/1 Punt Return Yds 0 0 Fumbles 0 1/1 Penalties 1/15 3/15