EDWARDSVILLE — Senior reserve running back Jehki Nicholson made the most of his opportunity on Edwardsville’s final possession Sept. 18, 2026, carrying the ball eight consecutive times and scoring a touchdown in the Tigers’ 48-0 victory over Granite City at Tiger Stadium.
Nicholson gained 42 of the drive’s 48 yards and finished it with a 1-yard touchdown run. The performance came as Edwardsville looked toward the final stretch of the regular season and a chance to qualify for the playoffs with a win in its Oct. 16, 2026, regular-season finale at Collinsville.
The eight carries accounted for all of Nicholson’s rushing statistics through three appearances this season. His longest run was a 12-yard gain for a first down against Granite City.
Nicholson is an Edison’s Entertainment Complex Male Athlete Of The Month for the Tigers.
Speaking after that Granite City victory, Nicholson said he was happy with the sequence and the opportunity to contribute. He also credited the team’s preparation during a week in which hot weather forced practices indoors.
“Coach (Kelsey Pickering) made it very simple for us, and told us to go out and just play,” Nicholson said. “I feel like that’s what football’s all about.”
Edwardsville overcame early adversity against Granite City, which rejoined the Southwestern Conference this season and is rebuilding its program. Nicholson said the coaches emphasized moving on to the next play.
“Coach Pick and coach (Justin) Winslow talked about the next play,” Nicholson said, “so you know, with us, if we move just past it and move forward, we have nothing else to worry about.”
Looking toward the final week of the regular season, Nicholson said the team’s ambitions extended beyond qualifying for the expanded Illinois High School Association playoffs.
Nicholson expressed strong emotions about the support of his family and teammates in the 2026 season, always encouraging him.
“A shout-out to my mom, my dad, my whole family,” Nicholson said, “My football brothers, and thank you, Edwardsville football overall.”
