Sometimes you have to take a step backward in order to remain standing. This is certainly the case for the Andrew Jackson Football program as the area players and new coaches attempt to bring it back to life. DuvalSports.com Contributor Q. Carr has more…
Today I covered a practice at Andrew Jackson as they prepare for the upcoming season. I saw a lot of passion from all the coaches as they work to rebuild Jackson into the powerhouse it used to be. Head Coach Adam Ward stated he knows they are in a rebuilding mode and will be for a few years to come. He has a very young team but expects to be competitive in a year or two. Coach Ward stated the team can be so much more and he’s excited to be a part of the rebuilding process at Jackson.
Andrew Jackson putting in the work!! pic.twitter.com/OLzFHKQnQB
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) August 4, 2016
Due to Jackson being in a rebuilding mode, they have opted to reduce their schedule this year by eliminating some district games. Coach Ward stated it was the right thing to do during the rebuilding process. Jackson also had a hard time getting enough guys to fill out the roster over the last year or two but that isn’t an issue this year. Coach Ward fully expects to have a full roster this year. Even today they had at least 50 kids participating.
@DuvalSports @AndrewJacksonHS
Andrew Jackson lineman players getting ready for the season pic.twitter.com/ZeBFoIcFpu— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) August 4, 2016
As I watched practice today, I saw an offense that is young but fast and striving to improve. Quarterback Ketwan Mauzon showed he has good arm strength and accuracy with his throws. Wide Receiver Antwoine Bryant showed he has speed, good hands, and great footwork. The defense showed some good also by intercepting a few passes.
Great pass by QB Ketewan of Jackson pic.twitter.com/OfFCkRHiSQ
— Q-Duval Sports (@QCarr75) August 4, 2016
The final word on Jackson is they are headed the right direction and finally have a head coach that is fully dedicated to the team. He expects to be there for years to come. Don’t look for Jackson in the playoffs this year but with a great young core and passionate coaches I expect the “Nightmare on Main Street” to return very soon.
Story By Duval Sports Contributor, Q. Carr
Duval Sports Club Prospects
Terrel King SR, LB, 5’8 165lbs
Shyhiem Ruffin Jr. DE, 6’2, 195lbs
Warren Thomas Sr. WR 5’7 130lbs
Juan Thomas Sr. DB 5’7, 125lbs
Coaches
HC: Adam Ward
AC: Richard Barnes
AC: Leonard Smith
AC: Mike Morris
Schedules & Records
Last Year Record
0-10
2016 Schedule:
August 19th – Parker at Jackson Kickoff Classic
1 Fri 8/26 Terry Parker 7:00pm
2 Fri 9/2 @ Duval Charter 7:00 pm
3 Fri 9/9 Baldwin 7:00 pm
4 Fri 9/16 Bolles 7:00 pm
5. Bye
6 Fri 9/30 @ Fernandina Beach 7:00 pm
7 Fri 10/7 Ribault
8 Fri 10/14 Raines
9 Fri 10/21 Lee
10 Fri 10/28 @ West Nassau 7:00 pm
11 Fri 11/4 First Coast 7:00 pm
What Duval is Saying about Jackson…
” I’m happy to see Jackson with almost 50 kids out there practicing. I’m a Viking but I am pulling for them this year” – Ricky Simon
