Last Friday night the Jacksonville Golden Eagles played in their preseason jamboree against reigning state champion Piedmont and took a 33-13 loss.
While a loss was not the way to start out the season, even if it didn’t count, it was important in that it was a learning experience not only for the players but for the coaching staff as well.
Coach Roland Houston, coming off of the best season the Eagles have had in 10 years, learned that despite his best efforts his team wasn’t to the point conditioning wise that he had expected.
“I thought conditioning was a factor in the game,” admitted Houston. “We felt like we had worked hard enough to go out there and play a game and be able to play full speed for four quarters but it was apparent that wasn’t true.
“You learn things in a game like this. We’ve got to take a different approach for next week to get ready to play conditioning wise.”
Houston has several players that play on both sides of the ball and is going to have to find a way, especially in the summer heat, to get them some rest so they can play in the fourth quarter.
Jacksonville’s first game will be against John Carroll High School, instead of Weaver, who the Eagles have played for years in their opening game.
John Carroll was presented as a team that was very similar to the Eagles and their option offense. At least that is the way they were presented.
In actuality, John Carroll doesn’t run the option that much and runs out of a wing-t double slot formation. They also throw the ball quite a bit.
John Carroll made it to the playoffs in 5A last year, losing in their first game. Look for No. 4 defensive end Kameron Wood to make some great plays. At 6’4” 220, Wood has already committed to play for Ole Miss.
The game will be at Golden Eagle Stadium at 7 p.m.
Pleasant Valley will travel to Sand Rock to start off their season with a Regional match up.
This should be a good starting point for the Raiders to see how they match up in their Region this year as Sand Rock received votes in the pre season polls.
Coach Jeff Davis has a lot of experience returning and should have his team ready to go.
Coach Tommy Miller and his Thunder team will be at home for their season opener against Alabama School for the Deaf.
Quarterback Matt Crook has some experience under his belt this year and after throwing 14 touchdown passes last year JCA fans can expect to see a lot of offensive fireworks.
White Plains looks to improve on a 5-5 season last year and will open their season with a Thursday night game at Glencoe.
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