CLINTON — Hartfield Academy football coach Craig Bowman had to pause and contain himself. Bowman was trying to recollect his emotions after hearing questions from reporters on what it feels like to be a state champion.

Before the 2023 season began, Hartfield faced a possible postseason ban. Instead, Bowman said his program fought adversity and showed character while producing Hartfield's most successful season in school history.

Hartfield (14-0) defeated Jackson Prep 21-0 at Robinson-Hale Stadium on Saturday to claim its first MAIS state title in program history.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of this school, this team and this community," said Bowman, who was named coach of the program in 2020. "It's been hard. It's been a long season. Words can't describe it, man. They fought so hard. They deserve this."

Hartfield has only been open since 2012 and the victory was even sweeter shutting out the MAIS rival Patriots (10-4).

"We knew if we could just get here, we would bring this home to these people and in our family and our community," Bowman said. "... That's what we've been working for. And I've been thinking about this day, ever since I took over as head coach and man, we did it, we're here."

Talks about a successful season began back in January. Losing to Jackson Prep in 2022, 10-7 in the state semifinals haunted Hartfield all offseason, and the Hawks knew they would have an opportunity to meet again.

It was a slow first half, with the game's first score coming from a fade to the corner of the end zone on a pass from Hartfield quarterback Cayman Tapper, finding wide receiver Bralan Womack on a 20-yard touchdown.

Two fourth-quarter touchdowns saw linebacker Chris Jones take a snap and deliver a 3-yard rushing touchdown. Senior running back Reed Jesiolowski adding a 2-yard score, capping Hartfield's state title.

"It feels crazy," said Jesiolowski, who finished with 30 carries on 223 yards. "We had a great season, and we knew we could do this. It's just the best feeling to know all the workouts and everything we've done up to this point has paid off."

Chris Jones' comeback

During a Friday morning on Oct. 4, Jones' world was shocked. While behind the wheel, Jones lost control of his car and crashed on the side of the road, flipping his car twice. Jones, however, left without a scratch and played that same night against Madison-Ridgeland Academy in a grueling 63-56 win.

"I could have been dead," he said after Hartfield's title game. "But it was all God, and now I'm a state champion."

Indeed, Jones and Hartfield are.

Bowman preached about veteran leadership and how much of an impact made on Hartfield's players. Jones the senior linebacker and Southern Miss commit, was lauded by Bowman for his vocal leadership among other seniors on the roster.

"They're unbelievable," Bowman said. "I'm gonna miss them so much. ... Their character and the maturity level is unbelievable. Chris Jones, Reed Jesiolowksi, I can't I can name them all, but I'm so proud of them."

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Jones, the catalyst on Hartfiled's defense, aided to his team's all-around performance of holding Jackson Prep to 155 yards of total offense, 3.0 yards per play, allowing the Patriots in the red zone once, eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

"We worked our way all the up and now were state champions," Jones said.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion-Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hartfield Academy football wins first MAIS title, shuts out Jackson Prep