Jackson wins American Cornhole Championship

Jackson wins American Cornhole Championship

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Neshoba Central junior Espn Jackson clinched the American Cornhole League (ACL) High School Singles Championship last week, earning a $625 payout.

The world championship event, held from August 2-11 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, was televised on ESPN+. With over $700,000 in payouts and 30 events, the ACL World Championships is the biggest week of the year in cornhole. 

The event draws competitors of all ages and skill levels across multiple divisions, such as intermediate, competitive, advanced, and professional. Jackson, who began playing cornhole just two years ago, credits his start to a local group.

“I heard about the Philly Baggerz playing at the bowling alley on weekdays from one of my friends,” Jackson said. “I went up there one night, and from there on, I just kept playing.”

Jackson continues to play cornhole every Thursday at the bowling alley, often among a crowd of around 50 people. He’s also a member of the Neshoba Central baseball team and plans to accept a cornhole scholarship to Winthrop University in South Carolina, where he will major in physical education with hopes of becoming a baseball coach.

At the world championship, Jackson competed in the advanced division, beginning with a 7th-place finish in the USA Doubles event alongside Tyce Cobb. 

In the USA singles tournament, he placed 9th. However, his crowning achievement came in the high school singles bracket, where he went undefeated to reach the finals, which aired live on television. 

Jackson narrowly defeated Jacob Harrison in the thrilling championship match by just one point.

“I was telling myself to leave the bag on the board alone and to not be nervous. I’ve hit that shot a million times,” Jackson said. “I just kept my head down and focused on my game.”

Following the high school championship, Jackson participated in the state championship tournament, featuring top-ranked players from across the nation. He secured a 2nd place finish against Colby Shearer.

Jackson continued his impressive run by competing in the USA Cornhole Junior Doubles tournament with Griffin Johnson, where they finished 4th in their bracket. 

“When I play doubles, I try to throw more bags in the hole with less strategy,” Jackson said. “I just try to score more points.”

In the Junior Singles, Jackson won one out of three games and said it was his “worst tournament of the whole week.”

“After that tournament, I just had to get my head back right for the next one,” Jackson said. “I told myself to forget about that tournament. It’s in the past.”

Jackson’s next challenge was the Advanced Doubles tournament with Bryce Forbes. After losing their second game, the pair went on an eight-game winning streak to reach the championship match, where they were ultimately defeated.

In the Advanced Singles tournament, Jackson lost his third game but managed to win his bracket through a double-dip. However, he fell short in the first game of the final eight.

Leading up to the ACL World Championship, Jackson practiced at his friend JT Holley’s shop. He also received immense support from his family and friends throughout the championship tournament week. 

“We had a good time and just had to get the reps down,” Jackson said. “I really have to thank my parents, Melvin and Wendy Jackson, for taking me to the events, loving and supporting me, and driving me everywhere.”

A firm believer in staying humble and doing good, Jackson said, “I know God was with me all week.”

Looking ahead, Jackson will compete in the ACL Southeastern Conference Championship/Pro Qualifier, scheduled for September 6-8 at the Pearl River Resort.

Jackson offered advice to young cornhole players by saying, “Keep working hard and don’t lose interest in your other sports because of cornhole. Cornhole is great, but you only get one opportunity with sports like baseball and basketball. Cornhole will always be there.”

He also gave a special shoutout to his Neshoba Central baseball teammates. 

“They were hyping me up before my game,” Jackson said.






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