Division II-A West football preview: Jackson Christian School aiming to host playoff game
Jackson Christian School finished fifth in the Eagles’ first season in Division II-A last season. Davidson Academy made it to the semifinals before losing to Donelson Christian Academy. The Bears have talent, with multiple players committed to FBS colleges. Can Jackson Christian host a playoff game by finishing in the top four? Here’s how the region looks:
PREDICTED ORDER OF FINISH
1. Davidson Academy
2. Fayette Academy
3. Nashville Christian
4. Jackson Christian
5. Clarksville Academy
6. Tipton-Rosemark
7. Zion Christian Academy
TOP RETURNERS
Ani Izuchukwu, Sr., DL, Davidson Academy; Da’Joun Hewitt, Sr., RB, Davidson Academy; Stone Norton, Sr., QB, Davidson Academy; Reid Holland, Sr., RB/DB, Fayette Academy; Dawson Wilburn, Sr., OL/DL, Fayette Academy; Rube Scott Reah, Jr., QB/DB, Fayette Academy; Zach Simpson, Sr., WR, Jackson Christian; Colton Nash, Jr., OL, Jackson Christian; Obed Hearns, Sr., RB, Jackson Christian; Bryce Robinson, Sr., QB, Clarksville Academy
TOP GAMES
Fayette Academy at Nashville Christian (Aug. 31); Davidson Academy at Jackson Christian (Aug. 31); Clarksville Academy at Fayette Academy (Sept. 14); Fayette Academy at Jackson Christian (Oct. 26)
REGION TIDBITS
Davidson Academy returns 13 starters — six on offense and seven on defense — from last year’s team that made the Division II-A semifinals. Defensive end Ani Izuchukwu is committed to Mississippi State. Running back Da’Joun Hewitt is committed to Purdue and quarterback Stone Norton is committed to Florida International. … Fayette Academy returns a lot of players from both sides of the ball. About nine starters return on both offense and defense and the Vikings are poised to improve on their quarterfinal appearance. … Nashville Christian returns 10 starters. Coach Jeff Brothers is entering his ninth season as coach of the Eagles. … Jackson Christian has to replace quarterback Gunnar Lewis. The goal for coach Darby Palmer and the Eagles is to host a playoff game by finishing in the top four of the region. … Clarksville Academy returns quarterback Bryce Robinson, who threw for 1,181 yards and 11 touchdowns while adding 877 yards and 11 more touchdowns on the ground. Along with JCS, this will be Clarksville Academy’s second season in Division II-A.
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