REMEMBERING ART

As the Jackets prepare for the scrimmage in Lexington this week against Cleveland, much more goes on behind the curtain. A team full of experienced seniors, also has a much smaller junior class that will need every single body. But where there is concern, brings on opportunity. Opportunity for the sophomores…a strong class with numbers. Lineman…size…skill players, and yes…inexperience.

Maybe the biggest need is to find out who will be starting on defense, and just as important…who are the back ups. The defense lost a load from last year. Two D 1 athletes were in the secondary. Experience all over the field. Three shut outs. Three games allowing 7 points. 10 games allowed 20 points or less. Only Jarrell, Edna and Yoakum scored easily. And we beat Edna.

Jacket seniors really need to step up the leadership now. With what some would consider a team leaning heavily on sophomores for key results. Strong leadership will be the difference. Those younger plays will be watching. Set the example.

Seniors will be in key positions. Offensive lineman Nick Light and Dylan Smith. Four year starting quarterback Luke Davis. Three year starter Cash Lynch at receiver. Second team all state defensive lineman Mario Hernandez. (Mario told me months ago he was going to be first team all state this year.) I believe him. Emerson Pool, Josiah Wood, and Caden White only to name a few. These players will lead. The others will follow.

In the movie “Friday Night Lights”,. the coach (Billy Bob Thornton) playing the role of my former team mate, Gary Gains said in the last game, “Nothing you ever do in your life may not be as important as what you do right now” may just be true. It can determine what you are, who you are, the kind of person you are, the kind of teammate you. An 18 week period in your young lives can be so important. Maybe sad…but true. I don’t make the rules here in life…But I do know there are rules.

The rules now are simple. In Lexington you are going to prepare. August 28, you get serious. Preparing for Burnet is the most important thing you could be doing. Coaches, parents, family, friends and fans are all working toward the same end. And so much of the journey includes having fun. What you accomplish will last you a lifetime.