VIDEO: Jackson’s jarring hit forces turnover, helps Wildwood complete terrific 4Q rally to score first victory of season

Posted: September 12th 2026

The Wildwood High School football team celebrates a 20-18 comeback victory over KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

WILDWOOD - Giani Jackson missed some recent practices due to illness, so he didn’t play in the Wildwood High School football team’s game against KIPP Cooper Norcross Academy Saturday until deep into the second half.

The senior defensive back wound up making one of the game’s biggest plays, leading to an extraordinary comeback victory by the Warriors.

Jackson’s jarring hit after a 10-yard gain by KIPP’s Gregory Wright forced a fumble that the Warriors recovered at the KIPP 32-yard line with 2:20 to play.

Three plays later, Wildwood was in the end zone on Trevor Troiano’s five-yard TD reception from Gianni Troiano that eventually resulted in a 20-18 victory.

“I hadn’t been playing because I was missing some practices because I was sick,” Jackson said. “My first practice in a while was Friday and then I didn’t get in today until the fourth quarter. I’m happy I made the biggest impact for my team that I could and we won the game off that. I’m so glad we won.”

Wildwood had trailed 18-6 with less than eight minutes to play before rallying.

After stopping KIPP on downs deep in its own territory, Wildwood (1-2) quickly moved down the field thanks to a 76-yard catch and run by Trevor Troiano. 

Receptions by Rasheem Jones and Jayvion Hennessy moved the ball to the 1-yard line, from which Gianni Troiano ran in from a yard out, followed by Matt Maher’s two-point conversion reception that made the score 18-14.

Wildwood’s Rasheem Jones recovered an onside kick but the Warriors eventually turned the ball over on downs with 2:30 remaining. But Jackson’s popping tackle on the next play kept his team in it when the Warriors’ Noah Jones recovered the fumble.

An acrobatic 26-yard reception by Trevor Troiano moved the Warriors to the KIPP 6-yard line. Two plays later, Trevor Troiano caught his cousin’s pass at the goal line and calmly stepped over the line to give the Warriors the lead for good.

Dayvon Williams sealed the victory for the home team with an interception at his team’s 45-yard line with 35 seconds remaining. 

“We’ve been preaching that just because you get down one or two scores doesn't mean you can’t get back in it,” Wildwood coach Ken Loomis said. “The kids never quit.

“Having our alumni here, having our parents here and the student section, the band – having everyone here for this was awesome. It’s a great environment our town provides for the program and I’m so happy to be a part of it. Just a great day for us.”

Trevor Troiano finished the game with four receptions for 135 yards. 

Gianni Troiano was 13 for 21 through the air for 209 yards and two touchdowns. He completed 13 of his final 18 passes after starting the game 0 for 3. 

Rasheem Jones caught three balls for 31 yards and Maher, in addition to his two-point conversion, caught a 10-yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds left in the first half.

Wildwood is next in action Friday when it hosts Middle Township.