J.Z. George head coach Rusty Smith saw signs of improvement from his young squad in their 30-8 win over visiting Coffeeville High School last Friday night at Farris Jenkins Field in North Carrollton.
“I was pleased overall with the offense and with the way the defense played,” said Smith, whose team is 2-0 following a season-opening win over Alcorn Central. “We are a work in progress. We need to work on our passing game. From the throwing to the catching to the blocking, we’ve got to get better in that area.
“This was really only JT’s (Mann) second start. His confidence will grow the more he plays and the more success he has. The numbers may not show it, but he improved at the position last week.”
Mann, a junior, was 2-of-6 for 25 yards, and he ran for 19 yards and a touchdown on two carries. He also had a 2-point conversion run.
Smith was pleased with the way the backs ran the ball against Coffeeville.
“We don’t have big running backs, but we have those short, speed guys,” Smith added. “I’ve told them they can run up the middle and just beat the defenders to the hole with their speed. They don’t always have to bust it outside. We have three quick backs who can spell each other.”
Junior Jakolbie Cobbins led the rushing attack last week as he ran for 90 yards on nine carries and a touchdown. Shamarion Applewhite had 80 yards on eight tries and a score, while Jayden James had 55 yards on 10 carries and a touchdown.
The final four points for the Jags were scored by Jorden Cobbins, who had two 2-point conversion runs.
The Jaguars only led 8-0 after one and 14-0 at the half. They made it 22-0 by the end of the third period.
“Coffeeville was able to stay in the game early because of our mistakes,” said Smith.
Senior defensive end Keiyhaun Wilks and senior linebacker Jeremy Rias led the defense for the Jaguars. Wilks had eight tackles and four quarterback sacks, and Rias finished with eight tackles. Senior lineman Terry Malone finished with five tackles and two sacks. Kenneth Austin had an interception.
“As Keiyhaun and Jeremy go on defense, we go,” Smith added. “The defensive line played a lot better. They are beginning to come into their own. We gave up a touchdown late in the fourth quarter with a bunch of our young guys in the game.”
The Jags’ defense held Coffeeville to 43 yards passing and 55 yards rushing. However, with the stops for loss against CHS, the Pirates only had 40 total yards for the game.
Friday night, the Jaguars turn their attention to the Tigers of Winona High School, which is 2-0 on the young season.
“No doubt the biggest challenge to this point of the season,” said Smith. “Winona is going to be bigger than us on both lines, and they still move the ball well on offense. They have a good quarterback, and they are well coached. We will need to play much better than we have in the first two games to hang in there with them.”
