{
  "id": 5880040,
  "title": "Jax Leatherwood throws 2 TD passes, defense provides spark in Tennessee Tech's win over Chattanooga",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/jax-leatherwood-throws-2-td-passes-defense-provides-spark-in",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-06T01:26:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jax-leatherwood-throws-2-td-012643922.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Golden Eagles' quarterback Jax Leatherwood connected on two touchdown passes, while Tennessee Tech's defense made a significant impact in their Southern Conference debut against Norfolk State on Saturday night. Leatherwood completed 19 of 32 passes for 161 yards, turning two interceptions into scoring opportunities. Tennessee Tech (2-0), ranked No. 12 in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, did not score until the closing moments of the first half. Marcus Harris II's 1-yard touchdown run sealed a 7-6 halftime lead after a 45-yard drive facilitated by Jameson Wharton's interception. Leatherwood scored his first touchdown in the second half with a 16-yard connection to running back Maury Sullivan, following an interception by Omari Philyaw. The Golden Eagles added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, with Leatherwood connecting with Gabe Nunez for an 11-yard score. The game featured a total offense of less than 500 yards, with Tennessee Tech amassing 237 yards and Chattanooga 227. Journey Wyche contributed 113 rushing yards for the Mocs (1-1). Battle Alberson completed 6 of 16 passes for 37 yards and two interceptions for Chattanooga. Jude Kelley kicked all three field goals for the Golden Eagles. This marks the 30-11 lead for Chattanooga in their series, dating back to their first encounter in 1938. Up next for Tennessee Tech: hosting Samford on September 12. Chattanooga will face Eastern Kentucky on the same date.",
  "summary": "Jax Leatherwood threw two touchdown passes and Tennessee Tech turned a solid defensive effort into a 24-9 victory over Norfolk State on Saturday night in the Southern Conference opener for both teams. Leatherwood threw for 161 yards on 19-of-32 passing and the Golden Eagles turned two interceptions into touchdowns.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jax Leatherwood threw 2 TD passes for Tennessee Tech.",
    "Defense made significant impact in Southern Conference debut.",
    "Leatherwood's 16-yard TD pass sealed 7-6 halftime lead."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Tennessee Tech's defense stepping up and quarterback Jax Leatherwood capitalizing on interceptions with touchdown passes shifts momentum in a low-scoring game, ending Chattanooga's series dominance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Jax Leatherwood throws 2 TD passes, defense provides spark in Tennessee Tech’s win over Chattanooga",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/06/jax-leatherwood-throws-2-td-passes-defense-provides-spark-in-5883186",
        "published": "2026-09-06T01:27:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}