EVERETT — It was easy for Jackson head coach Joel Vincent to find the positives in a 42-6 non-conference victory over Marysville Getchell on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
Even more so because the Timberwolves (1-1) executed two main points of emphasis Vincent had set for the team both to start the season and following a 21-13 loss last week to Edmonds-Woodway.
One of those points was simply to have success running the football.
The Timberwolves rushing attack made its mark early and often against Marysville Getchell with a trio of rushing touchdowns from Brandon Wheeler (10 carries, 118 yards), Brad Borders and Perry White to take a 21-0 lead with two minutes remaining in the half.
All in all, Jackson rushed for 320 yards and five of its six touchdowns in the contest came via the ground game.
“We really concentrated this year on running the football effectively,” Vincent said.
“Being able to pick up yards on the ground in crucial situations throughout the game to extend drives and move the chains is something our kids did a great job of today.”
Marysville Getchell scored their first and only touchdown of the game via a 29-yard strike from Collin Montez to wide receiver Michael Stewart with one minute remaining in the first half.
But just as soon as the Chargers gained a sliver of momentum, Jackson took it right back.
Almost as soon as the second half began, the Timberwolves had two lightning-quick scores at the start of the third quarter.
That brings up the second chief point that Vincent sought for his team to accomplish — finishing.
“No football game is won in the first half so we focused on putting together a complete game,” Vincent said.
“We didn’t quite get that done last week so I challenged the guys to put a 48-minute game together and keep their foot on the gas pedal.”
Wheeler’s second touchdown of the day, a 49-yard scamper from scrimmage opened the second half.
A screen pass from Jordan Brajcich that sophomore running back Jonathan Navarro rumbled 48 yards to the house and a 2-yard touchdown run from James Ryan further punctuated the emphasis on finishing.
Even with Jackson’s ground-and-pound offense firing on all cylinders, the Timberwolves’ defense seemed to mirror that intensity and vigor.
Jackson recoverd two fumbles and stifled Marysville Getchell’s Collin Montez-led attack for the lion’s share of four quarters allowing just 221 yards of total offense.
“Well, obviously Marysville Getchell revolves around Montez, so really all week we were focused on where No. 3 was, know what sets they run, and know what their favorite plays were in those sets,” Vincent said.
Montez passed for 73 yards and a touchdown on 22 attempts, rushed for 102 yards on 19 carries, and caught two passes for 23 yards.
Vincent credited his defense with helping to implement the game-plan in real time and position itself to make an impact on the game.
“We really relied on our kids to get us into the right defenses based on the scouting reports and they did a fantastic job recognizing what Getchell was doing and getting us into the right formations.”
Marysville Getchell coach Davis Lura thought his team moved the ball well at times but attributed drive-ending mistakes as a key factor in the loss.
“We really hurt ourselves with some dropped balls on third downs and we weren’t hitting some blocks and there was miscommunication in our blocks,” Lura said.
“I take my hat off to Jackson as they were really strong today but when it comes down to it I think we were really killing ourselves at crucial times.”
Vincent said he hopes the Timberwolves build on Saturday’s success.
“As long as our offense keeps moving the chains and takes care of the football, we’re in good shape,” he said. “Solid defense and a ball-control offense is a great recipe for success.”
At Everett Memorial Stadium
Marysville Getchell 0 6 0 0 — 6
Jackson 7 14 14 7 — 42
J—Brandon Wheeler 10 run (Chandler Woolley kick)
J—Brad Borders 12 run (Woolley kick)
J—Perry White 7 run (Woolley kick)
MG—Michael Stewart 29 pass from Collin Montez (kick failed)
J—Wheeler 49 run (Woolley kick)
J—Jonathan Navarro 48 pass from Jordan Brajcich (Woolley kick)
J—James Ryan 2 run (Woolley kick)
Records—Marysville Getchell 1-1 overall. Jackson 1-1.
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