Jackson County Preview

[jacksoncounty]

JACKSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2006

 

Location: Gainesboro, Tennessee

Nickname: Blue Devils

Stadium: Mack Draper Stadium (1,500)

2005 Record: (0-6) 1-9

Head Coach: Brint Russell (1st Year)

Assistant Coaches: Matthan Houser, Shaun Moffitt, Michael Deaver, Mark Houser, Lee Dulworth

 

 

The Jackson County Blue Devils enter the 2006 football season with a new coach, a new system, and the same old challenges. What can make this edition of the Blue Devils different are attitude, discipline and work ethic. When a program has won only two games during the previous three seasons and only four games in six years success can seem almost unattainable.

“We have to teach these kids how to win. They have to learn to be winners you have to act like winners and approach every day with the attitude that we are going to do whatever it takes to make ourselves better,” said new Head Coach Brint Russell. “We have had some rocky times but for the most part the attitude has been good. It’s hard to think like a winner when you have suffered through what these kids have but I think the product we will put on the field on Friday nights will be something the community will be proud support.”

The Blue Devils have installed new offensive and defensive schemes and are working to learn their responsibilities. It could be a special season for Jackson County High School if the pieces fall into place.

“We want our players to expect to win, to play to win, we can’t do anything about the past but we can control what we are doing now and what we are doing now is working hard to improve the prospects for football in Jackson County. Our coaching staff is working everyday to get our guys in a position where they can be successful.”

A position by position preview of the 2006 Jackson County Blue Devils:

 

Offense

Quarterbacks:

Derek Loftis (6’0”,185, jr.) will be the starting quarterback. Loftis has a strong arm and is working to improve his steps in the passing game. He gained some experience last year as a sophomore and has worked hard in the preseason. Matt Scott, the starting tailback, will also see some snaps under center in situational settings. In addition, Cody Franklin (5’10”, 170, so.) will provide depth under center.

 

Runningbacks:

Matt Scott (5’10”, 180, sr.) will be the tailback and has shown a combination of speed and power in the preseason. Fullback Devin Wright (6’0”, 220, sr.) is one of the strongest players on the team. Wright is an excellent lead blocker and an imposing ball carrier.

Also set to see playing time in the backfield is tailback Derek Ragland (5’10”, 170, jr.) and fullback Keith Meisenberg (5’10”,200, so.). Additional depth in provided by a pair of freshman Caleb Stafford (5’10”,145) and Colby Fox (5’10”, 135).

 

Wide Receivers:

Rudy Basaldua (6’4”, 190, jr.) has been impressive in the preseason with his footwork and blocking skills from the wide receiver position. He will most likely be the starter and will split time with Brandon Smallwood (6’3”,190, sr.). When the Blue Devils go to multiple receiver sets Derek Ragland and Matt Scott will split out at times and will be joined by Robbie Smith (5’11”, 165, so.). Smith has shown big play capabilities with his speed and quickness. Others who will compete for playing time include Ruben Basaldua (6’5”, 185, sr.), who had 2 catches a year ago, Evan Stafford (5’10”, 165, so.), Jordan Hunter (5’10, 155, so.), and Corey Hamby (5’10”, 125, fr.).

 

Tight Ends:

The Blue Devils will run often from a two tight end set with Marcus Woolbright (5’11’, 200, sr.) and David Phillips (6’3”,190, sr.) manning those positions. Woolbright has shown good hands in preseason drills while both have been steady as blockers. Behind them are Adam Jones (5’11”, 185, so.), who is expected to see some playing time, and Michael Allen (5’10”, 175, so.).

 

Offensive Line:

Kendrick Bean (5’10”, 245, sr.) heads the offensive line and can play either tackle or guard and is currently listed at right tackle. Bean, the strongest member of the team is expected to have an outstanding season upfront for the Blue Devils after moving from the backfield a year ago. Other starters up front include center Danny Mayberry (5’10”.185, sr.), and guards David Lynn (5’10”, 225, sr.), and Daniel Robinson (5’10”, 235, jr.) and left tackle J.W. Jones (5’11”, 230, sr.). Donnie Pippin (6’3”, 230, sr.) will also see lots of playing time along with starting on the defensive front. Others providing depth up front are: guards Cody Mayberry (5’10”,185, so.), Nathan Holloway (5’11”, 170, fr.), Donnie Locke (5’10”, 155, fr.), Ethan Bean (5’11”, 190, fr.), and Edward Serrano (6’0”, 215, jr.); Tackles, Chuck Hix (6’2”, 275, sr.), Josh Loveridge (5’11”, 225, so.), and Mason Hensley (6’0”, 215, fr.). Additional depth includes center Matthew Knight (5’10”, 160, fr.), Alex Ragland (5’10”, 150, fr.), and John Andrew (5’10”, 205, jr.).

 

Defense

Defensive Line:

The Blue Devils defensive will be a big key to winning the early games as the offense learns the new scheme. It all begins with the defensive line led by senior defensive ends Kendrick Bean and David Lynn. At the tackle positions will be another senior, Donnie Pippin, and junior Daniel Robinson. Good competition in preseason has added depth to the tackles position with a number of players expected to get an opportunity including seniors J. W. Jones, Chuck Hix, Danny Mayberry, and Brandon Smallwood. Additional depth in the defensive line will come from David Phillips, Edward Serrano, Donnie Locke, Josh Loveridge, Nathan Holloway, Ethan Bean, Mason Hensley, Michael Allen, Matthew Knight, Alex Ragland, and John Andrew.

 

Linebackers:

The 4-4 defense installed for the 2006 season features a nice balance of power and speed including outside linebackers Matt Scott, a senior, and Keith Meisenberg, a sophomore. Both have been explosive off the edge and have been a bright spot in the defensive play this preseason. Inside linebackers Devin Wright and Marcus Woolbright have also looked impressive in preseason. “Linebacker play is so important in the scheme we intend to play,” said Matthan Houser, Defensive Coordinator. “We feel we have the makings of a good unit and with the physical play we think we can get out of the front guys, and the improving secondary, we feel we can have a much improved defense.”

Adding depth at the linebacker positions are sophomores Adam Jones, Cody Mayberry, and Cody Franklin, and freshman Colby Fox.

 

Secondary:

The secondary has become a highly competitive area with several players battling for three positions. Free Safety Derek Loftis, and starting cornerbacks Derek Ragland and Rudy Basaldua make for an all junior defensive backfield at this point. Hoever, sophomore Robbie Smith is challenging hard for playing time and has the speed and quickness to be a factor while senior Brandon Smallwood also will qualify for playing time if he is not utilized in the defensive front. Next on the depth chart are Ruben Basaldua, Jordan Hunter, Caleb Stafford, and Corey Hamby.

 

 

Special Teams:

Derek Ragland has won the kicking job and will attempt field goals and extra points out of Derek Loftis’ hold. Kendrick Bean will handle the punting while Devin Wright is the long snapper.

Returning punts will be Matt Scott while the kickoff return duties are not yet settled.

 

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach Brint Russell comes to Jackson County after having been an assistant in the North Carolina high school ranks. Russell is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University, in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He most recently was the assistant head coach at 4-A Mc Dowell High School, in McDowell, North Carolina and before that was Head JV Coach at Asheville Erwin High School. He previously was a head coach at AshevilleCane Creek Middle school where his team was undefeated.

He has put together a six member coaching staff including two holdovers from the previous staff including, Shaun Moffitt, a University of Tennessee graduate who has worked at Central Florida and with the Houston Astros organization; and Richard Deaver, a former football player at Cumberland College, Kentucky now known as the University of the Cumberlands . Joining the staff as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator is Matthan Houser, a former Livingston Academy 4-time All State football player and Dartmouth College wide receiver. Also joining the staff are non faculty coaches Mark Houser, who formerly coached at White County and spent six years at Livingston Academy, where the team went to the second round or beyond in the TSSAA playoffs during his final four years,; and Lee Dulworth, a former stalwart defensive lineman at Livingston Academy.

 

Conclusion:

The Blue Devils of 2006 have a chance to accomplish something special. The community has heard the talk before but nothing can create enthusiasm like winning.

“We need to show our fans that we can win some football games. We need to come out of the gate playing hard and doing things the right way,” Coach Russell said. “We can promise the people of this community that we will not be outworked. How that translates into wins and losses no one knows but we intend to win football games.” Jackson County will play Watertown in a Jamboree Football Classic at Lebanon, Tennessee on Friday, August 18. The Blue Devils will begin regular season action versus Clay County in Celina on August 25.

[ruckus42]

A new day in Gainesboro? What a joke haha That's really funny. Jackson County is a joke of a program. They are going to open up the season by getting DRILLED by Clay County. New coach- who cares?? Same sorry program with the same sorry players. Can't wait to watch you guys when Clay county completely runs you right off the field. Mack Draper Stadium holds 1,500 people huh, haha when was the last time you got that many people in there? Jackson County football is a joke and will be lucky to get 1 win this year

 

JACKSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

FOOTBALL PREVIEW 2006

 

Location: Gainesboro, Tennessee

Nickname: Blue Devils

Stadium: Mack Draper Stadium (1,500)

2005 Record: (0-6) 1-9

Head Coach: Brint Russell (1st Year)

Assistant Coaches: Matthan Houser, Shaun Moffitt, Michael Deaver, Mark Houser, Lee Dulworth

The Jackson County Blue Devils enter the 2006 football season with a new coach, a new system, and the same old challenges. What can make this edition of the Blue Devils different are attitude, discipline and work ethic. When a program has won only two games during the previous three seasons and only four games in six years success can seem almost unattainable.

“We have to teach these kids how to win. They have to learn to be winners you have to act like winners and approach every day with the attitude that we are going to do whatever it takes to make ourselves better,” said new Head Coach Brint Russell. “We have had some rocky times but for the most part the attitude has been good. It’s hard to think like a winner when you have suffered through what these kids have but I think the product we will put on the field on Friday nights will be something the community will be proud support.”

The Blue Devils have installed new offensive and defensive schemes and are working to learn their responsibilities. It could be a special season for Jackson County High School if the pieces fall into place.

“We want our players to expect to win, to play to win, we can’t do anything about the past but we can control what we are doing now and what we are doing now is working hard to improve the prospects for football in Jackson County. Our coaching staff is working everyday to get our guys in a position where they can be successful.”

A position by position preview of the 2006 Jackson County Blue Devils:

 

Offense

Quarterbacks:

Derek Loftis (6’0”,185, jr.) will be the starting quarterback. Loftis has a strong arm and is working to improve his steps in the passing game. He gained some experience last year as a sophomore and has worked hard in the preseason. Matt Scott, the starting tailback, will also see some snaps under center in situational settings. In addition, Cody Franklin (5’10”, 170, so.) will provide depth under center.

 

Runningbacks:

Matt Scott (5’10”, 180, sr.) will be the tailback and has shown a combination of speed and power in the preseason. Fullback Devin Wright (6’0”, 220, sr.) is one of the strongest players on the team. Wright is an excellent lead blocker and an imposing ball carrier.

Also set to see playing time in the backfield is tailback Derek Ragland (5’10”, 170, jr.) and fullback Keith Meisenberg (5’10”,200, so.). Additional depth in provided by a pair of freshman Caleb Stafford (5’10”,145) and Colby Fox (5’10”, 135).

 

Wide Receivers:

Rudy Basaldua (6’4”, 190, jr.) has been impressive in the preseason with his footwork and blocking skills from the wide receiver position. He will most likely be the starter and will split time with Brandon Smallwood (6’3”,190, sr.). When the Blue Devils go to multiple receiver sets Derek Ragland and Matt Scott will split out at times and will be joined by Robbie Smith (5’11”, 165, so.). Smith has shown big play capabilities with his speed and quickness. Others who will compete for playing time include Ruben Basaldua (6’5”, 185, sr.), who had 2 catches a year ago, Evan Stafford (5’10”, 165, so.), Jordan Hunter (5’10, 155, so.), and Corey Hamby (5’10”, 125, fr.).

 

Tight Ends:

The Blue Devils will run often from a two tight end set with Marcus Woolbright (5’11’, 200, sr.) and David Phillips (6’3”,190, sr.) manning those positions. Woolbright has shown good hands in preseason drills while both have been steady as blockers. Behind them are Adam Jones (5’11”, 185, so.), who is expected to see some playing time, and Michael Allen (5’10”, 175, so.).

 

Offensive Line:

Kendrick Bean (5’10”, 245, sr.) heads the offensive line and can play either tackle or guard and is currently listed at right tackle. Bean, the strongest member of the team is expected to have an outstanding season upfront for the Blue Devils after moving from the backfield a year ago. Other starters up front include center Danny Mayberry (5’10”.185, sr.), and guards David Lynn (5’10”, 225, sr.), and Daniel Robinson (5’10”, 235, jr.) and left tackle J.W. Jones (5’11”, 230, sr.). Donnie Pippin (6’3”, 230, sr.) will also see lots of playing time along with starting on the defensive front. Others providing depth up front are: guards Cody Mayberry (5’10”,185, so.), Nathan Holloway (5’11”, 170, fr.), Donnie Locke (5’10”, 155, fr.), Ethan Bean (5’11”, 190, fr.), and Edward Serrano (6’0”, 215, jr.); Tackles, Chuck Hix (6’2”, 275, sr.), Josh Loveridge (5’11”, 225, so.), and Mason Hensley (6’0”, 215, fr.). Additional depth includes center Matthew Knight (5’10”, 160, fr.), Alex Ragland (5’10”, 150, fr.), and John Andrew (5’10”, 205, jr.).

 

Defense

Defensive Line:

The Blue Devils defensive will be a big key to winning the early games as the offense learns the new scheme. It all begins with the defensive line led by senior defensive ends Kendrick Bean and David Lynn. At the tackle positions will be another senior, Donnie Pippin, and junior Daniel Robinson. Good competition in preseason has added depth to the tackles position with a number of players expected to get an opportunity including seniors J. W. Jones, Chuck Hix, Danny Mayberry, and Brandon Smallwood. Additional depth in the defensive line will come from David Phillips, Edward Serrano, Donnie Locke, Josh Loveridge, Nathan Holloway, Ethan Bean, Mason Hensley, Michael Allen, Matthew Knight, Alex Ragland, and John Andrew.

 

Linebackers:

The 4-4 defense installed for the 2006 season features a nice balance of power and speed including outside linebackers Matt Scott, a senior, and Keith Meisenberg, a sophomore. Both have been explosive off the edge and have been a bright spot in the defensive play this preseason. Inside linebackers Devin Wright and Marcus Woolbright have also looked impressive in preseason. “Linebacker play is so important in the scheme we intend to play,” said Matthan Houser, Defensive Coordinator. “We feel we have the makings of a good unit and with the physical play we think we can get out of the front guys, and the improving secondary, we feel we can have a much improved defense.”

Adding depth at the linebacker positions are sophomores Adam Jones, Cody Mayberry, and Cody Franklin, and freshman Colby Fox.

 

Secondary:

The secondary has become a highly competitive area with several players battling for three positions. Free Safety Derek Loftis, and starting cornerbacks Derek Ragland and Rudy Basaldua make for an all junior defensive backfield at this point. Hoever, sophomore Robbie Smith is challenging hard for playing time and has the speed and quickness to be a factor while senior Brandon Smallwood also will qualify for playing time if he is not utilized in the defensive front. Next on the depth chart are Ruben Basaldua, Jordan Hunter, Caleb Stafford, and Corey Hamby.

Special Teams:

Derek Ragland has won the kicking job and will attempt field goals and extra points out of Derek Loftis’ hold. Kendrick Bean will handle the punting while Devin Wright is the long snapper.

Returning punts will be Matt Scott while the kickoff return duties are not yet settled.

 

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach Brint Russell comes to Jackson County after having been an assistant in the North Carolina high school ranks. Russell is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University, in Boiling Springs, North Carolina. He most recently was the assistant head coach at 4-A Mc Dowell High School, in McDowell, North Carolina and before that was Head JV Coach at Asheville Erwin High School. He previously was a head coach at AshevilleCane Creek Middle school where his team was undefeated.

He has put together a six member coaching staff including two holdovers from the previous staff including, Shaun Moffitt, a University of Tennessee graduate who has worked at Central Florida and with the Houston Astros organization; and Richard Deaver, a former football player at Cumberland College, Kentucky now known as the University of the Cumberlands . Joining the staff as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator is Matthan Houser, a former Livingston Academy 4-time All State football player and Dartmouth College wide receiver. Also joining the staff are non faculty coaches Mark Houser, who formerly coached at White County and spent six years at Livingston Academy, where the team went to the second round or beyond in the TSSAA playoffs during his final four years,; and Lee Dulworth, a former stalwart defensive lineman at Livingston Academy.

 

Conclusion:

The Blue Devils of 2006 have a chance to accomplish something special. The community has heard the talk before but nothing can create enthusiasm like winning.

“We need to show our fans that we can win some football games. We need to come out of the gate playing hard and doing things the right way,” Coach Russell said. “We can promise the people of this community that we will not be outworked. How that translates into wins and losses no one knows but we intend to win football games.” Jackson County will play Watertown in a Jamboree Football Classic at Lebanon, Tennessee on Friday, August 18. The Blue Devils will begin regular season action versus Clay County in Celina on August 25.

Edited August 15, 2006 by ruckus42

[muffin]

For a first time poster,you like to run your mouth,what team do you play for or support?

[glover]

Congrats and good luck to Jackson County this year. I hope things turn around there. Sometimes it just takes a leader as a coach. Maybe you have found one. Again good luck and see you soon when the Owls of Smith County come calling!

[GhostRider]

The Blue Devils have a long way to go if they are going to compete. I saw their last scrimmage against oakwood, oakdale, oak something. Anyway, the other team did not look to good yet they were able to take advantage of a JC turnover early on and score plus a 2 pt conversion. Same things i have seen in the past as far as overall execution. Did actually put together a drive here and there, but did not see the other team stuffing them, just saw more turnovers and poor execution. Line looked lazy, and got a big fullback that runs standing up, (not what JC needs). looked like a couple of quick tailbacks, but neither seemed to be able to make the moves one on one downfield. qb looked ok, comleted some easy wide open passes but seemed to just heave it downfield with any pressure. JC's jv quarterback looked like he knew what was going on better than the varsity guy. Did not see all of it but did hear varsity scored in last seesion but did not convert on their 2 pt play.

 

I hope they can turn things around up there. I hear the caoches are working hard on technique and execution, but the kids have got to play. its up to them to step up and make a difference.

[ruckus42]

It doesn't matter who I support. I know that Jackson county is garbage!!! They'll be lucky to win one. HAHA. They have no line and absolutely NO skill people. Whoever ends up running the ball for them probably couldnt start for an average middle school team. Sorry Blue Devil fans but look forward to more losing.

[originalSC3]

Last years team was one of the worst teams I have ever seen step on a field. Not once did the boys appear the have a clue to what they were doing. It will take time to turn that program around. The fact that Gainsboro has never been a big football town doesn't help matters either. The new coach will need to change the mentality of not only the current ball players, but of the community as well. In surrounding communities like Livingston, Carthage, and Hartsville kids grow up cheering for their respected teams and can't wait to play when they become of age. That is not the case in Gainsboro. I hope Coach Russell wanted a challenge because he has one. A BIG one. I wish him and his staff the best on the upcoming season. I hope they can turn the program in the right direction. The best way to do that is to WIN.

[timtim]

ROFLMAO

 

jackson county with a improved record? the very young Clay County team is gonna pummels them right off the bat... which will be, as usual, followed by nine more physical beat downs from other kids who actually want to be successful!

[swanson71]

A new day in Gainesboro? What a joke haha That's really funny. Jackson County is a joke of a program. They are going to open up the season by getting DRILLED by Clay County. New coach- who cares?? Same sorry program with the same sorry players. Can't wait to watch you guys when Clay county completely runs you right off the field. Mack Draper Stadium holds 1,500 people huh, haha when was the last time you got that many people in there? Jackson County football is a joke and will be lucky to get 1 win this year

Your such a big person coming on and putting down a football program like that... That's a great way to be...Trash is all that is!!!

 

ROFLMAO

 

which will be, as usual, followed by nine more physical beat downs from other kids who actually want to be successful!

Who says they don't wanna be succsessful... I come from a smaller and weaker football program and it's not because we don't wanna be successful it's just that we have a hard time getting the athletes out to play...No since in putting down a football program that has it hard already...It's cheap talk!!!

[jchs39]

I have watched the Blue Devils for many years and I am a former player, I believe this group is better than some recent teams not as talanted as others. We can be better than previous years and from watching some practices I belive they are, that said this is a team that can't afford to make mistakes or commit penalties and expect to win many games. I think we can pick up a few more wins than we have lately and we should compete in 5 or 6 of the games on the schedule. Remember I said compete I am not predicting 5 wins.

[ruckus42]

So what your initial opinions about the new coach?

[baseball junkie]

So what your initial opinions about the new coach?

 

Coach Russell has brought alot of enthusiasm and discipline to the Jackson Co. football program. It will probably take a few years to make the program respectable but it is heading in the right direction.