JEFFERSON — Jackson County was just two plays removed from a winning record and its third playoff spot in four years in 2015.
A pair of six-point losses to Elbert County and Morgan County derailed the Panthers' postseason hopes.
Second-year coach Brandon Worley said familiarity could lead Jackson County back to the playoffs in 2016 -- despite returning just nine starters from last year's team.
"I think being in our system for another year has already made a difference," Worley said. "The kids understand a lot better and that has shown up in the offseason. I think they also realized they needed to be tougher all around, and that has been a focus and I think we've gotten tougher. We have some holes to fill from some talented players that graduated. But we also have a lot talented guys back as well. Hopefully all that will show up with at least one more win this year."
Senior quarterback Caleb Matthews has improved and will have senior wide receiver Zane Corley as a solid target as well as senior tight ends Micah Vincent and Mason Williams. But the ground game, behind senior Chris Griggs and junior Noah Venable, may be the key. Senior offensive lineman Kennon Swain and juniors Collin Lewis and Hunter Baggett have also stepped into leadership roles.
A newly-shaped Region 8-AAA could surprise, with only Hart County looked at as a sure playoff team. Monroe Area, Franklin County, Morgan County, and East Jackson, along with the Panthers, could each make postseason runs.
"The region really is wide open," Worley said. "Hart County may stand above the rest, but I think everyone else has enough talent to get in the playoffs. I expect every game will be close."
JACKSON COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Panthers
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-AAA
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Brandon Worley, second season, 4-6
- 2015 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 4-6
- KEY LOSSES: RB Malik Tuck, WR Chase Wester, FB/LB Griffin McElvery, QB Jace Latty, DL Jorge Monzon, OLB Austin Lewis, DB Cole Alford, OL Luke Sanders, OL Corey Walker, DE Preston Giroux, OL Tyler Sartain
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pro-style -- The Panthers will look to be balanced and will rely on a veteran running back corps to lead the way early.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. QB Caleb Matthews, Sr. WR Zane Corley, Sr. RB Chris Griggs, Sr. TE Micah Vincent, Jr. RB Noah Venable
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 5-3 -- Jackson County will be aggressive, trying to force opposing offenses into mistakes via an experienced unit.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 4 returning starters -- Sr. DL Mason Williams, Sr. LB Micah Vencent, Sr. CB Chris Griggs, Sr. DE Jesse Davis
- SPECIAL TEAMS: Jr. PK Evan Mershon, P Jake Tanner, Jr. KR/PR Kyle Langston, KR/PR Chris Griggs
- STRENGTH: Comfort in new systems -- Worley said a renewed toughness is the key strength and more familiarity with his systems in their second year.
- QUESTION: Turnover -- Who will step up and lead with a lot of changes and some new faces after graduating a good senior class?
- KEY GAMES: Opening the Region 8-AAA slate at home against what is expected to be an athletic Monroe Area squad (Sept. 30) may set the tone and give huge insights to the Panthers fortunes in what is sure to be a tight and competitive race for the four playoff spots. They do get region favorite Hart County at home but also will finish the regular season with a tough road game at Morgan County. The non-region schedule is intriguing and could provide Jackson County with some momentum as it faces just two playoff programs from 2015.
- TRENDING: The Panthers have had their best four-year stretch (20 wins) since the 1990-93 seasons and continue to be on the upswing after going 19 years between winning campaigns. Last season saw them just one win from a playoff berth and with the maturation of Matthews and the athleticism of Corley and Griggs on offense, and Williams on defense, they should be right in the playoff hunt again in 2016.
2016 SCHEDULE
Aug. 19 at Banks County
Aug. 26 vs. Madison County
Sept. 2 at Lumpkin County
Sept. 9 vs. West Hall
Sept. 16 at East Hall
Sept. 30 vs. *Monroe Area
Oct. 7 vs. *Franklin County
Oct. 14 vs. *Hart County
Oct. 28 at *East Jackson
Nov. 4 at *Morgan County
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
