Jackson 35 Warren 20

[ironman02]

The last three weeks have definitely shown the Ironmen the work that they need to put in to get to the next level. We have a young and inexperienced team that I hoped would be able to compete with West Jeff, Athens, and Wheelersburg, but despite being beaten handily by all three of those teams, this team will benefit from those experiences. Most of these guys will get a chance to redeem themselves next year against two of those teams, and maybe even a shot at Athens at some point as well, but for right now, they need work on getting better each and every week. There's still a championship on the line, and the road toward that starts this week.

Jackson will still face some teams this season that will spread them out and throw the ball, but I feel comfortable in saying they will not see a better offensive team than those they have played the last three weeks. I would think things will slow down a little bit for them on the defensive side of the ball, and hopefully that will translate to some better performances. They can't keep giving up 40+ points every week and expect to win an SEOAL championship.

Offensively, something needs to happen to give this group a spark. Offensive success begins and ends with line play, and the offensive line simply has to play better. It's certainly tough opening up holes when teams are stacking the box, though, so hopefully the Ironmen can start throwing the ball with some success also. Keeping defenses honest would go a long way in helping out the struggling running game.

I think the key to the rest of the season, though, is mental rather than physical. Can the Ironmen recover from three straight losses? Is the heart and desire to win a league title still there, not just for a few guys, but all of them? Can they get motivated these last 5 weeks? I surely hope the answer to all those questions is a yes, but we'll see what happens this Friday night.

Let's win the next five! GO BIG RED!!

[baller99]

Jackson over coming the mental part will be tough after last three weeks some of these boy haven't lost twice since 5th grade. The physical part is just as big need to beef up line and receivers caught 7 of 11 pass for 34 yards against Athens just not big enough to break tackle or block effective and defense need to be more aggressive and tackle better. That's a lot going into Seoal play hope they keep there heads up.

[doubleplay643]

Need a quick start over in Vincent, after 3 weeks of brutality, last thing we need is a slow start, turnovers, or a big Warren play to get the Ironmen "thinking".

Got to compete and grind no matter what right out of the gate.

Be a great week to do some team type "building stuff" get the morale back if they are down, and coaches need to encourage captains to step it up in practice and pre-game and be high energy and positive with every player. Lot of hop, and hustle. Hate to sound like a cheerleader but atmosphere needs to be contagious with everyone all week and after the 1.5 hour bus ride in pre-game as well. We need to be ready to get after it and put them on their heels.

Time for Coach Hall to take some chances offensively and mix this up, team has been conservative and I understand it is experience related and not wanting to make mistakes or turn ball over, but lets come out with a little bit of a "gunslinger" attitude Friday night on both sides of ball.

[Ironman92]

Jackson over coming the mental part will be tough after last three weeks some of these boy haven't lost twice since 5th grade. The physical part is just as big need to beef up line and receivers caught 7 of 11 pass for 34 yards against Athens just not big enough to break tackle or block effective and defense need to be more aggressive and tackle better. That's a lot going into Seoal play hope they keep there heads up.

So if they were tackled immediately they are only throwing for 5 yards per pass. That won't get the defense to change much as they aren't going vertical. The pass near the line of scrimmage needs broken tackles or good blocking to gain more than 5 yards. Williams lining up in the TE spot just left of the line....fake handoff to the left (especially if you've ran behind Williams a few times), have Sexton roll right and Williams after a quick block goes across field to the right 8-10 yards down field....2 1/2 seconds of blocking gets this done. The TE always seems open in high school football.

Sexton is the QB but Rafferty is one of the RB's....but can pass. Options are there a few times a game. If the running game can't get itself going from here on out, it would be nice to see a nice mix of other things to try and help.

No one wants to win more than the coaches and they have all been there and done that and I'm confident they will do what is necessary to give the kids the best chance to win out.

Go Ironmen!

[WJfan4life]

good luck to Jackson in this one, glad i had a chance to see them play this season. it was my first time.

[Auburntgrfan]

Warren has been Jeckyl and Hyde this year. Who knows which team will show up, or who really wants to play. Offensive line just played bad, can't say anymore than that about their play. They are certainly capable of better and have played better at times. Offense should have gotten some spark back with Isner returning to line-up. He ran well after the lay-off for his arm. Sealey can cause problems too, receivers seemed to be going in slow motion on their routes, could not get off defenders. Could have been the d-backs just were a little better, not sure. Mayle had an off game, but Scott stepped up and played well. Cisler has started to get more active, which is very much needed. LB's are young, but it is game 6 and that should be no excuse, the rest of the season. Just gotta keep pluggin at it. No game on the schedule that is left is not a winnable game for the Blue and White, just depends which Blue and White takes the field. Play Hard, and good things can and often do happen. Goooooo Blueeeee!!!!!

[firecracker]

Hopefully the team will try some no huddle offense. It worked two years ago against Warren. Also, put Rafferty in the back with Sexton, keep them guessing whom the QB is.

[doubleplay643]

good luck to Jackson in this one, glad i had a chance to see them play this season. it was my first time.

WJfan4life, we look forward to your team's return trip to Jackson and Alumni Stadium next year, and a more competitive game for both sides to watch. Your fans were very hospitable and your facilities top notch and I am confident your fans experience here in SE Ohio next year will be equally pleasant. Good luck on your season and we wish you success in Week 11 and beyond.

[baller99]

Wow little intrest or everybody just not sure what to think about this match up?

[doubleplay643]

I am hoping for a few wrinkles in player/position changes for the Ironmen, and honestly would be disappointed if there are not some on both sides of the ball, and also as well in the offensive play calling.

If there are then that shows me we are in it for the long haul so to speak, and if not....well, then I think some stubbornness is being shown. I don't proclaim to be an expert but I well aware of the expectations and there just HAS to be a few tweaks in my humble opinion.

So I will continue to be very, very positive and look forward to a wonderful evening in Vincent, Ohio and hope both squads remain healthy and play hard.

[WJfan4life]

doubleplay643 i sent you a PM let me know.

[doubleplay643]

Got it WJ and will do, good luck against Bexley

[jottings]

Warren always a tiugh place to play, but Jackson should end its three-game losing streak this week.

[baller99]

A little motivation and a few tweaks and Jackson should get on the right side of this one. When was the last time we lost 4 in a row?

[Ironman92]

A little motivation and a few tweaks and Jackson should get on the right side of this one. When was the last time we lost 4 in a row?

I'll guess 1987....if not then 1986

[baller99]

Wow that's way back gotta win.

[doubleplay643]

Wow that's way back gotta win.

Now guys 1986 isn't really that far back (at least from my perspective lol).

But all kidding aside this is pretty much a must win situation.

[M0TIVAT0R]

Neither of these teams is very good this year. Should be a dog fight.

[4thgoal]

Jackson needs to get a little creative on offense. Running the same 4-5 plays all night long won't work. At least put a couple receivers outside to spread the defense a little, even if it's a run play.

[doubleplay643]

Jackson needs to get a little creative on offense. Running the same 4-5 plays all night long won't work. At least put a couple receivers outside to spread the defense a little, even if it's a run play.

Yes everyone that is a neutral observer is asking this very question.