JEFFERSON — After its second-best season in the past 25 years, Jackson County football could be posied to take that next step.
It won't be easy in a revamped Region 8-3A that added perennial power Jefferson, however. There has also been steady improvement from other 8-3A foes like Hart County and Monroe Area, which could be ready for a breakout season. Two-time defending region champ Morgan County also will be ready to defend its title.
The Panthers did graduate wrecking ball running back Noah Venable, but nearly a half-dozen players are ready to step in and fill his shoes behind what should be an experienced line that features three returning starters.
A solid and improved front seven on defense also should help the Panthers continue to climb the competitive ranks as they look for an unprecedented third consecutive playoff berth.
Beginning his fourth season, coach Brandon Worley has consolidated the gains made by Benji Harrison, who also made it to back-to-back postseasons (2012-13) before leaving for Habersham Central after the 2014 campaign. All four appearances represent Jackson County's only state playoff experience for a program clearly on the rise.
JACKSON COUNTY: NEED TO KNOW
- MASCOT: Panthers
- TEAM COLORS: Black, Red and White
- CURRENT REGION: 8-3A
- HEAD COACH/RECORD AT SCHOOL: Brandon Worley, fourth season, 12-20
- 2017 RECORD/ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 5-6, reached first round Class 3A playoffs
- KEY LOSSES: RB Noah Venable, OL Wesley Harper, OL Hunter Baggett, OL/LB Collin Lewis, OL/DL Noah Breakspear, OL Noah Hayes, QB Gray Akin, ILB Collin Lewis, OLB Seth Caylor, CB Bryce Byrnes, Saf Brayson Beinke, CB Kyle Langston
- OFFENSIVE STYLE: Pistol -- The Panthers will look to add a little more misdirection in 2018 but still want to maintain balance behind a veteran line and a solid corps of running backs.
- KEY OFFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. OL Jonathan Fountain, Sr. OL L.T. Pecht, Sr. OL Jackson Keahey, Sr. RB/WR Chad Pittman, Jr. QB/RB Tyler Wester, So. QB Jake Stinchcomb, So. RB Bo Reeves, So. RB Jordan Adamson, Jr. WR Gabe Lockridge, Sr. WR Rayshun Dorsey, Sr. RB Len Hilbert, Jr. RB Rodney Booker, Jr. TE Jonathan Steeb, Jr. RB Micah Swift
- DEFENSIVE STYLE: 50 defense -- Jackson County will continue to be aggressive defensively, anchored by what could be an oustanding front seven.
- KEY DEFENSIVE PLAYERS: 5 returning starters -- Sr. NG Justin Key, Sr. OLB Rayshun Dorsey, Jr. SS Tyler Wester, Sr. LB Elijah Pierce, Sr. LB Nate Vincent, Sr. CB Len Hilbert, Jr. CB Rodney Booker, So. DT Andrew King, Sr. DT Pete Parker
- SPECIAL TEAMS: So. PK Ayden Grizwold, Sr. P Chad Pittman, Jr. KR Tyler Wester
- STRENGTH: Depth at RB/knowledge of system -- 2018 marks the first year every player on the roster has been in the system with Worley as the head coach. The Panthers have seen steady improvement over the last two seasons and the experience should continue to shine through. Nearly a half-dozen capable RBs should get opportunities, which should keep fresh legs coming at defenses behind an experienced line.
- QUESTION: QB/secondary -- Wester and Stinchcomb will battle for the QB position, and the competition could last right up until opening week. Worley hinted he was not averse to a two-QB system in 2018. The secondary will be very inexperienced after losing three of four starters from the 2017 squad.
- KEY GAMES: Worley is hoping for some early success despite a tough non-region slate as they head into a crucial Region 8-3A opener at home against Hart County (Sept. 21). The region is loaded with the addition of perennial power Jefferson and a uber-talented Monroe Area team, not to mention defending champion Morgan County, who is expected to be just as solid in 2018. The Hart County showdown could well be a sign of the Panthers playoff fortunes.
- TRENDING: The Panthers are definitely trending up in their overall approach and the positive mentality that Worley and his staff have instilled over the last three seasons. The Panthers are on the cusp of taking the next step but will need to bag a win against a team they aren't expected to beat to help make that transition. Experience in the trenches could be the key to that occurrence.
2018 SCHEDULE
Aug. 17 at Banks County
Aug. 24 vs. North Hall
Aug. 31 at Lumpkin County
Sept. 7 vs. Apalachee
Sept. 21 vs. Hart County*
Sept. 28 at Morgan County*
Oct. 5 at Monroe Area*
Oct. 19 at Franklin County*
Oct. 26 vs. Jefferson*
Nov. 2 vs. East Jackson*
*- Indicates region contest
(All kickoffs scheduled for 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted)
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