They may not have turned the corner just yet, but J.Z. George second-year football coach Dustin Alford is encouraged by the progress his young team is making.
Despite last Friday’s 47-20 Region 4-2A loss to visiting Union High School, the Jaguars had their opportunities to put more points on the scoreboard.
“We were in the red zone three other times and because of turning the ball over on downs or plays that lost yardage or untimely penalties, we weren’t able to get in the end zone,” said Alford, who team falls to 2-6 overall and 0-3 in Region 4. “It’s part of the growing pains. I told them after the game this was not as bad as last year, and it was a completely different kind of game. We could have been in the ball park had it not been for our mistakes.
“I think it’s all beginning to sink in for them. They are seeing the progress we are making. We’re not there yet, but we are making strides.”
Alford said not only has his staff made some personnel moves, but they also had to part ways with a few players who weren’t part of the plan moving forward.
“We had to cut a couple of people loose, and it has changed the attitude of this team,” Alford said. “It’s helped not only on the field but off it as well.”
The Jaguars, who have lost four straight after getting to 2-2, had 250 yards of total offense against Union. They had 136 yards passing and 114 yards rushing.
Senior Shamarion Applewhite, who has played quarterback the last two weeks, ran for 60 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. He also completed 13-of-23 passes for 117 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
“I wish we would have had this Shamarion all season long,” Alford said. “He has stepped up his game the last few weeks, and he has become a leader on the field. I’m not sure if he was waiting on his number to be called to play quarterback, but he has really played well.”
Justin Weatherall had 26 yards on four carries and was 1-of-1 for 19 yards passing. He also had five catches for 66 yards and both touchdowns.
Demarion McGee had seven receptions for 88 yards and four carries for 21 yards. BJ Green had one catch for 20 yards, and Cory Reed had three receptions for 16 yards and a 2-point conversion catch.
Arrick Green led the defense with seven tackles, and Applewhite and Alfonzo Baskins had five tackles each. Tyler Duren had four stops, and McGee and Josh Fleming had three tackles apiece.
The Jaguars have an open date this week before closing the regular season on Oct. 31 at Region 4 foe Sebastopol High School.
