J.Z. George head coach Ben Burton didn't expect his team to be 0-4 at this point in the season as the Jaguars prepare to host Holly Springs High School Friday at 7 p.m. in North Carrollton.
The season is a long way from being over, especially since Region 3-3A play doesn't start until Sept. 28.
However, for things to turn around for the Jaguars a few things must happen, according to Burton.
"The first thing is that we just need to play better. We haven't played a complete game yet from start to finish," said the fifth-year head coach. "Last week's game was the most frustrating game for me since I've been the head coach. We started out pretty good, and we moved the ball on Union, but every time we'd get in the red zone, we'd either have a penalty or a turnover.
"A lack of execution is another thing. We've got to be able to overcome ourselves and the things that bite us. We could have easily been up 21-0 last week, but we continue to defeat ourselves. We've got to overcome adversity and be mentally tough. If we can get these guys to do those things, I feel like we can get on a roll."
The Jaguars dropped a 30-12 decision to Union last Friday. They drove down to Union's one-yard line on one occasion, but turned the ball over. The Yellowjackets proceeded to march 93 yards for a touchdown. On another drive, they got to the six-yard line but a string of penalties stalled that drive.
Despite all that, Union only led 18-12 with five minutes remaining in the game but got a pair of late touchdowns to pull away from J.Z. George.
"It's not like we didn't move the ball on them. Malik (Christian) probably had 130 yards rushing, but with the sacks, he wound up with 75 yards. We had 296 yards of total offense, and it was easily over 300 if we can eliminate the penalties," Burton added.
"We've made a few changes this week with some formations and sets. I just felt like we needed to simplify things on both sides of the ball. On offense, we can't have first-and-15 or first-and-20. We've got to quit playing behind the chains."
Freshman running back Deriaun Townsend led the Jags with 112 yards on eight carries last week, while Christian finished with 75 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries. He also had an 81-yard kickoff return for a score.
Junior running back Malik Branch picked up 37 yards on six tries and caught three passes for 28 yards.
The Jaguars face a 3-1 Holly Springs team that has won three straight after opening with a 26-12 loss to Byhalia. The Hawks have reeled off wins over Mantachie (58-12), Ashland (45-6) and Strayhorn (42-0), which was last week.
"They've got a good set of skill players. Their quarterback and running back can move the ball," said Burton. "If we play the way we are capable of playing, we can compete with them."
