MILL CREEK — The Jackson football team has taken its lumps the last couple years.
But after going 5-15 the last two seasons, the Jackson seniors — many of whom have played significant minutes since their sophomore year — are ready to #RestoreTheTradition.
The mantra, seen in tweets from Jackson head coach Joel Vincent, is driving the Timberwolves seniors to finish strong and get back on top in what could be a wide-open Wesco 4A this season.
“I’m excited because we have an older group,” said senior linebacker/tight end Markus Sullivan. “The past two years we’ve been sophomores trying to battle in an older league. We’re finally an older team and want to get things going again. … Jackson was a strong program in the early 2000s and we want to get back there and restore the tradition.”
“Our sophomore year we felt like we’re the little kids on the field,” added senior running back/defensive back Brad Borders. “We said, ‘We’ll take the beatings now and learn the lessons.’ … Now, this is our senior year. This is our time to shine.”
Vincent has already noticed a difference on day one. Instead of having to dole out new instructions, the Timberwolves already appear to be in the swing of things.
“We’re hoping we’re going to hit the ground running,” Vincent said. “We’ve got tons of returners. Everything we’re installing today is not new. It’s more review than teaching.”
JACKSON TIMBERWOLVES
Head coach: Joel Vincent (19th season)
Key returners: Marcus Sullivan, Sr., LB/TE; Brad Borders, Sr., S/RB; OL/DL; Mike Markezinis, Sr., OL/DL; Chase Alexander, Sr., DL.
Coach’s quote: “For the first time in a couple years, we’ve got tons of returners. These are kids that had to play as sophomores and now they’re seniors. When you return seven or eight starters on both sides of the ball — and you saw some really positive things at the end of the year — that’s why we’re excited.”
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