[su_dropcap style=”simple” size=”7″]J[/su_dropcap]acksboro won their second and last state title in 1971 and since has recorded only three 10 or more win seasons. The last time the Tigers accomplished that feat was was also the last time they won their first four games, tallying an undefeated regular season in 2003.
The 2017 Tigers are off to a fast start with their first 4-0 start since that 2003 season, despite Head Coach Brannon Rodgers taking the helm in his first year in Jacksboro. After Brian Hodnett, who spent six years with Jacksboro, departed for Haskell in the offseason, Rodgers moved in from 2A Crosbyton. He previously guided the Chiefs for 10 seasons.
“I’ve been really pleased with what the kids in Jacksboro have done with what we brought here,” Rodgers said. “They’re picking it up even quicker than we thought we might be.”
Jacksboro started strong with a 61-0 win over Olney in the season opener — the first time the Tigers scored 60 or more since 2013. They built early-season momentum after 36-28 win a week later over a Windthorst High School team many gauge as a playoff capable. Rodgers and the Tigers capped their hot start with last week’s 38-21 win over Bowie High School on Homecoming.
“I thought Bowie did a great job of keeping the game close,” Rodgers said. “The possessions were pretty few and far in between.”
Jacksboro QB Payton Laake (Photo: Courtesy of Sharon Burby)
Jacksboro has been most successful so far on the ground, averaging 321.75 yards per game as a team. Only one of the Tigers touchdowns all season was not from a rushing play and two players lead the team in total touchdowns — Hunter Hackley and Caleb Keith — with each tallying four scores. Keith reached paydirt for three of those touchdowns against Windthorst, adding 171 yards on 18 carries in that game, the biggest performance by a Jacksboro rusher this season.
Keith reached paydirt for three of those touchdowns against Windthorst, adding 171 yards on 18 carries. Rodgers said it was the biggest performance by a Jacksboro running back this season.
[su_quote]We have the kids built to run the ball, that’s a part of our makeup,” Rodgers continued. “We’re playing to their strengths, and they’re fitting into it very well. We’re pleased with the developments so far.[/su_quote]
Instrumental for a potent run game is a stout offensive line, which the coach noted has come along well for the team so far.
“We weren’t sure who was going to come through, but we’ve been pleased with the progress,” Rodgers said. “The offensive and defensive lines work hard on the field and in the weight room.”
Jacksboro has one game remaining before jumping into University Interscholatic League Division II, District 5-3A action and is scheduled to travel to Boyd for a contest with the Yellowjackets.
“Boyd and Bowie are pretty similar I think,” said Rodgers of the upcoming matchup. “Boyd’s team is a young team, they’re getting better every week. When you have young teams, you never know what to expect.”
The Tigers undefeated start has only fueled further interest in the district, which already looked to be a top-heavy grouping with Henrietta, Holliday, and Nocona High Schools sharing district space. Jacksboro, as well as others, may stake a legitimate claim in district title race. They will be tested, however, when they face back-to-back teams on the road, starting with Henrietta next week.
“It’s going to be a knockdown drag out every Friday night,” Jacksboro’s first-year field general said. “We feel we have a chance to win a district title, but so do many teams. You’re going to be beat if you have a step back any week.”
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