Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
Jackson Vikings
Last season’s record: 8-3
Returning starters: 3 on offense, 5 on defense
First Game: Aug. 26 vs. Coldwater
Offensive keys:
Jackson’s plunge back to relevance last year was a multifaceted one, but it’s impossible not to notice what the offense did.
The team’s 436 point scored was a program record for a singles season and also more than the past three seasons (392) combined.
But the new season brings together a new collection of weapons on the offensive side of things, and for coach Scott Farley, it starts and ends up front.
“The offensive line has to come together,” the Jackson coach said. “This is a young group that really just has a few seniors in the mix. We’re young and talented, but we need some experience.”
Jackson set program records for passing yards and passing touchdowns in 2015, though the team’s biggest and most dangerous weapon remains in the backfield in senior Shonte Suddeth.
Suddeth rushed for roughly 1,300 yards in his junior season to go with 25 touchdowns.
“Obviously, you see what he is on the field,” Farley said. “But he’s a leader that stands out in every way. I’ve coached for 24 years, and he stands out as a leader more than any athlete I’ve ever worked with.”
Jackson will be tested right off the bat, facing a Coldwater team that went 12-1 last year and allowed 11 points per game.
Defensive keys:
While the Vikings were no stranger to finding the end zone, they were also a team that had to win by way of a shoot out. Jackson gave up nearly 30 points per game last year, and that will have to improve.
“I think defense is where we can hang our hat, especially early on,” Farley said. “We have some guys back that we expect big things from.”
Of the team’s eight returning starters, five hail from the defensive side of things.
“This is a group that knows our scheme inside and out,” Farley said. “They communicate. They play hard. They are fundamental and physical.”
Coach’s outlook:
“We expect to contend for a conference title with this group,” Farley said. “We also expect to be a team that is in the playoffs and can be in a position to make a run.”
Something to think about:
Jackson’s 8-3 record last year equaled more wins than the program had (7) from 2010 through 2014.
Now the goal is to make the playoffs for consecutive seasons.
The Vikings have done that just once in program history, in 1999 and 2000.
