2012 Jackson ironmen

[firecracker]

My predicition for the Ironmen this year, 8-2, or 7-3. I do not think the offense is there yet. Defensively, they will be strong, if they lose it will be by small mistakes. I think they are missing a passing quaterback, most teams will pick up on their running game, and when they pass, it will lead to mistakes. I really hope I am wrong, but win or lose I'll still support them.

[ironman02]

I agree with a lot of that post, firecracker. I don't think you'll see Jackson throw the ball as much as they have the last three years under Coach Hall. They'll still try to keep teams honest, and throw at opportune times, but I think they'll rely more heavily on the running game this season. A lot of that has to do with losing skill players like Osborne, Ervin, and McNelly, and some of it also has to do with inexperienced guys stepping in to take their places. This is going to be a relatively young/inexperienced team at the skill positions. The talent is there, but it will be a learning process on the offensive side of the ball at first. It'll come down to how effective the O-Line can be, and how much of the load Morgan Landrum can carry. I think that both Morgan, and the returning guys on the line, proved to be very valuable assets on last year's team, and they'll be even better this season. Hopefully they can get the ground game going, even if defenses are stacking the box, which will make things easier for a new QB.

Defensively, Jackson has a chance to be very good again. Again, they're having to replace some great players from last year's team, but with Landrum and Williams in the middle of that defense, I think they'll be very solid. I worry about facing teams with big, athletic receivers because our DBs aren't very big, but those guys such as Osborne and Trepanier have already proven that they can cover people and give support in the run game. They play much bigger than they are, which compensates for a height disadvantage in most cases. Gotta get a pass rush, which is where guys like Cutright and the other D-Linemen come into play. I would expect a lot of pressure/blitzing when we face teams that like to throw the ball. Coach Hall's team have had outstanding giveaway/takeaway ratios the last three years, so I'm sure they'll be looking to continue to create short field opportunities, etc.

Like I said, it's early, but as I look at the schedule, I think all the games are winnable. It may not be likely to have another perfect season, but I'm sure that's what our team is shooting for, and I'm right there with them. I do think that with our schedule this year, 8 wins might be enough to make it to the post-season, depending on how things eventually shake out. Granville, Athens, and Wheelersburg are definitely good new games to have in the non-league portion of the schedule when it comes to computer points, provided that the Ironmen can win those games.

[green&yellow]

Thanks for the update on the 7-on-7. Going up against competition like Cam Burrows and the defending D2 State Champ, Trotwood-Madison, will certainly be beneficial for the Ironmen. Beavercreek (D1) and Belmont (D2) both went 6-4 last season, so that can't hurt either.

I agree completely. A teams record of last year does not really matter at this point in a 7-on-7. I doubt anyone Jackson will play (minus Granville) will throw as well as these teams did. But it was excellent practice for the Ironmen.

[green&yellow]

I believe many of the kids on the Ironmen team this year are being overlooked...the senior class is talented, but there are many younger classmen who are very talented as well, just have not had that chance yet to stand out. 7-0n-7 are hard to judge any player because of the mix up subbing.

[bengalfan76]

I believe many of the kids on the Ironmen team this year are being overlooked...the senior class is talented, but there are many younger classmen who are very talented as well, just have not had that chance yet to stand out. 7-0n-7 are hard to judge any player because of the mix up subbing.

Also the lack of actually hitting and no line play. Easy for a QB to stand back there with no one rushing

[green&yellow]

I believe many of the kids on the Ironmen team this year are being overlooked...the senior class is talented, but there are many younger classmen who are very talented as well, just have not had that chance yet to stand out. 7-0n-7 are hard to judge any player because of the mix up subbing.

Also the lack of actually hitting and no line play. Easy for a QB to stand back there with no one rushing

Agreed!

[firecracker]

If the Ironmen want to be successful this season, they need to keep the quarterback and running backs playing offense only. I know this may be hard to do, but I heard there is as many as 25 incoming sophmores coming up this year. Keep the running players and the defensive line fresh and hunger to play. This year, there will be plenty of players to choose from.

[Ironmen44]

Firecracker - the best players will be on the field. If a sophomore is one of the best 11 players then he will play. There are no free lunches in football. Play your best, it's Friday night football man.

[firecracker]

The point I am trying to make is the schedule is a tough one this year. If this team wants to have a year like last year, keep the offense fresh and ready to roll. The QB will be new, looks like a possible running team this year. As for the sophmores, there are a couple that could sub in for a couple of plays to get things moving. Defensively, the D-line needs to break through on every play. Nothing is more disappointing than seeing players x-tremely worn down and missing tackles and kids on the sideline eagerly waiting their call to come in.

[Ironman92]

Well, the majority of the teams they play against will be playing both ways at a variety of positions.

The kids that are running the ball will be two of the best defensive players. This is where you trust the kids to work hard and be in the best football condition they can. They'll be fine.

[green&yellow]

Ironmen officially start two-a-days this week, the season is only getting closer! Red & White scrimmage Satuday! :12223

[Ironmen44]

The Jackson Football program looks strong. 92 Senior High players and 71 Junior High players. GO IRONMEN !!!!!!

[GAHSfootball]

What time is scrimmage tomm?

[Ironmen44]

Scrimmage was at 9:00.

[ironman02]

Enjoyed watching some real football this morning. Defense looks like it's gonna be VERY strong. The offense, at this point, is almost always behind the defense, but I did see a lot of positives on that side of the ball too. Looking forward to seeing everyone together as a unit at Meigs next Saturday.

[jottings]

Ironman92...Do you have a copy of Jackson's 2012 grid schedule? If you do, could you send me a copy for my all games standings? Thanks, Hobe.

[Keyser_sozeThrice]

I've said it before and I'll say it again........

www.ohsaa.org jottings www.ohsaa.org

[Ironmen44]

The Ironmen look good today at Meigs. They are a good football team and the best team Meigs will face all year. Meigs has definitely improved over last year and the new coaching staff has the program going in a positive direction. I look for Meigs to surprise some people this year. Go Ironmen.

[ironman02]

Two sets of 10 plays and about a quarter of down and distance for the varsity squads at Meigs today. I believe Jackson "won", 4 TDs to 1.

I was definitely pleased with what I saw from the Ironmen today, especially in a first scrimmage. The offense showed some big play capability, and also the ability to grind it out. The defense had a few rough spots, but didn't really give up too much other than the long pass play when the DB lost his footing. Once they felt challenged, I thought they really answered the bell.

I think the offensive line really has the potential to be very good. Woolum is a freshman, isn't he? I've been watching Jackson football for about 20 years consistently now, and I can't ever remember a freshman actually starting on the O-Line. That's saying a lot since Jackson has had so many great linemen during that time span. Returning starters like Quinn, Gilliland, and Carter, along with Spires and Woolum should make for a dominant front on the offensive side of the ball. Kearns and Rafferty both had bright spots at QB. I'm interested to see who ends up winning the starting job once all is said and done. Landrum, Griffiths, and McCorkle all looked good running the ball, in my opinion. It's hard to believe Griffiths is only a sophomore...he has a chance to be a special player at Jackson.

I've been saying it all along, but I think the Jackson defense will be very strong this season. As I said, they lost focus a couple times today, but I thought they responded very well once Coach Hall lit a fire under them. It'll be hard to find a faster defensive unit in all of SE Ohio. I'm a huge fan of our entire defense, and I'll definitely have some pretty lofty expectations for them. Can't wait to see the damage that Landrum and Williams will do in the middle.

So much young talent on this football team. Reagan Williams is a sophomore and saw extensive playing time as a freshman, Griffiths and Rafferty are two other sophomores that will really stand out, the freshman Woolum is playing on the O-Line, and we even saw freshman FB/LB Jake Crabtree get some varsity action today. Add those guys into the lineup with some experienced juniors and seniors, and there's really a lot of potential there.

Looking forward to the scrimmage next week with Nelsonville. I've heard they had a couple close contests with West and New Lex so far, so it should be a good test to see where the Ironmen stand heading into Week 1.

[ironman02]

Another thing that stood out to me was how many different kids Coach Hall played today. He really does a great job of trying to develop depth on his teams. Subbing several kids in and out allows them to get a good feel for the game, and it also allows the staff to do a lot of evaluating in live game situations.

If I'm thinking correctly, it looks like there will be ZERO players going both ways on the interior lines. That's a HUGE factor throughout a game, especially in the 4th quarter. Jackson will certainly have players going both ways, but when your linemen don't have to, it makes it much easier to win the battle in the trenches.

The numbers throughout the Jackson program are probably higher than I can ever remember. Coach Hall and his staff have done an excellent job of getting kids excited about Jackson football. Winning breeds winning, and kids want to be a part of that success. Really excited about this season and the future of Jackson football.