Jackson High School Football

There's an old saying that defense wins championships. The stats show that the 2008 version of the Jackson Red Devils had one of the best defenses in the state, but there was no championship to be won. This only shows that while defense may win championships, it takes a little offense to get you to the big dance.

With the 2009 season underway, the Jackson defense is again flexing their muscles and showing that they are, yet again, one of the best in the state. After the first three games (one region game) the Devils' defense is averaging 4.7 points per game. I will agree that after only three games it's hard to tell, but you have to have a starting point. In that three game span, they have also only allowed 18 first downs (6 per game), 187 rushing yards (62.3 yards per game) and 161 passing yards (53.7 yards per game). Those are numbers that any team on any level will gladly take! A lot of Devil haters will say that they haven't really played anyone. Granted the three opponents they have played are a combined 3-6 in their first three games, 128-170 in scoring, but the Devils have all but dominated those games. The 14 points allowed so far this season were all scored in the fourth quarter of their games against the JV defenses. With pride getting in the way and starters remaining in the games, the Devil defense would be sitting on three shut-outs instead of only one.

Looking more into the season to date stats for Jackson show more of the tale of what the Devils are doing defensivly.

Opossing teams are 3/30 on third down conversions (10%). Opossing teams are 5/8 on fourth down conversions (62%). The Devils defense has 8 sacks for a combined 40 yards. The Devils have 21 tackles for a loss for a combined 104 yards. The Devils have forced 21 punts. The Devils have not allowed any field goal attempts.

With region play just beginning, the true tests for the Devils' defense is yet to come. There is no doubt that they will be up for the challenge. With the offense beginning to click as well, whispers of that defensive led championship have begin to circulate through Red Devil Hill.


Upcoming Games

9/18/09 @ Rutland
9/25/09 @ Mary Persons
10/3/09 @ South Atlanta