By Michael Lindsay
The Jackson County Blue Devils and Livingston Academy Wildcats took the field for their final preseason action Friday evening in Gainesboro as the teams competed in a jamboree.
“Any time you line up in a jamboree, you’re trying to make sure your guys get those first game jitters out of the way,” said Livingston head coach Matthan Houser. “They’re in game uniforms, there’s a crowd; it’s a little different than a scrimmage. Jackson County did a great job at really showing us some things we need to work on.”
“The biggest thing is execution,” said Jackson County head coach Sean Loftis. “Coming out with some fire and excitement is big. Our guys came out and answered the call; we ran the ball and blocked well up front and threw it when we needed to.”
Prior to the scrimmage, both programs honored current Livingston Academy assistant and former Jackson County coach Mark Houser, who is battling cancer.
“It’s a tough situation,” said Matthan Houser. “Our players decided they wanted to honor him with a helmet sticker for the season. He coached all the juniors and seniors on that team (Jackson County), so they wanted to put it on their helmets, too.”
Livingston Academy won the varsity portion of the scrimmage 14-6, but it was Jackson County who scored first as their opening drive was capped off by a touchdown run from quarterback Skyler Stacy.
“We can’t do what we do without our guys up front,” said coach Loftis. “Center Caleb Wimberly, guards Asher Morris and Channing Collier and tackles Drake Matheney and Joe Roland. Skyler ran the ball well and made some good throws.”
The Wildcats were denied on fourth down on their ensuing drive, but the Livingston defense stepped up as a deflected pass turned into a 30-yard pick-six from defensive back Jesse Gentry. Following the extra point by Rocco Carwile, Livingston held a 7-6 advantage.
Livingston tacked on another touchdown in the final varsity drive of the jamboree as Wildcat quarterback Adrian Jenkins hit Carwile on a 6-yard touchdown pass.
“Offensive line-wise, we did well in pass protection,” said Houser. “Defensively, once we made some adjustments we played okay, but we have to be more physical at the point of attack.”
Both programs open their respective regular seasons next Friday as Livingston Academy travels to Trousdale County while Jackson County hosts Clinton County, KY.
“Now it’s for real,” said Loftis. “Now we start keeping up with the left and right columns. We have to do everything we can do to stay as healthy as we can. We have to continue to get better, and tonight was a step in the right direction.”
