Recap: It took all of 4 minutes and 29 seconds for Jakobi Jackson to jumpstart St. Paul Central's scoring spree against conference rival Johnson. The speedy, 5-foot-8 wide receiver took an end-around 82 yards for a touchdown on his first carry of the game. Then one minute later, after Johnson went three-and-out, Jackson returned a punt 63 yards for another score.

Two touches, two touchdowns, 145 yards, and the Minutemen were off and running before the first quarter even hit the midway point.

Garrett Gardner added two rushing touchdowns for Central. Jackson finished the night with nine carries for 129 yards.

Key of the game: Central rushed for nearly 400 yards, with Gardner getting 125 on 15 carries. But it was Jackson’s play in all three phases of the game that left little doubt as to the outcome. The senior had two interceptions on defense in the second quarter and, including his return yardage, finished with nearly 300 total yards.

Quote: “We’ve been waiting to see that from Jakobi all year. We knew it was in there. He just had to get it out.” — Central Coach Scott Howell

One thing to know: With a victory over Highland Park next week, Central can clinch the St. Paul City Conference title for a seventh consecutive year, which would be a league record. It’s a mark that will never be broken, Howell pointed out, since the conference will be disbanded when district scheduling begins in 2015.

BRYCE EVANS

Jakobi Jackson scored two touchdowns and picked off two passes on defense — all before halftime — helping St. Paul Central take all the drama out of a dominant 48-20 win over St. Paul Johnson Thursday at home.

Jackson got the Minutemen going early, scoring on an 82-yard run on Central’s first possession. Then, after the defense forced a three-and-out, Jackson returned the ensuing punt 63 yards for another score just one minute later.

And Central was off and running.

Garrett Gardner added two rushing touchdowns of his own, and quarterback Sam Gubbrud ran in another.

Check back later for more on the game.