Jacob Martella, Staff Writer
August 26, 2010
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
Last year, the Jaguars needed one win against the Bowie Volunteers to make the playoffs. Bowie, however, proved to be too tough of an opponent, and the Jags were once again forced to watch the playoffs on the TV at home. This year, in the second season under head coach Travis Pride, the Jags are looking to get back to the playoffs and according to Pride, are well on their way to reaching it.
“We’re light year’s ahead of where we were last year,” Pride said. “Their retention is good, their chemistry and work ethic is higher and we have higher expectations.”
Last year, the Jaguar defense faltered in the final game, allowing 62 points and 627 yards to Bowie. This year, the defense returns six of those starters and a stronger defensive line.
“Our secondary is a lot better and our d-line and linebackers are on point,” defensive lineman Cortez Harris said.
The biggest change, however, has come from practice, which quarterback Xavier Williams said, is more player driven.
“This year since we know the system better than last year, games should be more fast pace and player driven instead of coach driven, meaning the coaches won’t have to tell teammates to step it up,” Williams said. “The players will try to encourage one another.”
Another change for the Jags is the drop down from 5A and schools twice as large to 4A. Coach Pride, however, doesn’t know how it will affect the team.
“It’s to be determined,” Pride said. “Good 4A football is the same as good 5A football.”
Williams, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily see it as a change for the team, who is now in a district with perennial power Everman and former 5A school Burleson.
“Moving to 4A doesnt change anything at all,” Williams said. “All it means is that our school is a little smaller than the rest. We are still looking to compete for a state championship even if its 4A.”
The Jaguars will begin that run to compete for the 4A state title Friday night at Vernom Newsom Stadium against Keller Fossil Ridge, who returns 11 of 11 defensive starters.
While Harris believes the team “will go deep in the playoffs”, Williams doesn’t make the same prediction, but says the team will be in it the entire game.
“I predict that we will fight to the end for every game,” Williams said.
Loading ...
Comments
Leave a Reply