The Jackson Indians have been on a tear since Week 3, having won five straight games, but they will face a very tough opponent on Friday night in the Holt Indians. The battle of namesakes is sure to be a challenging one for Jackson, and even though they are a non-district opponent, it could weigh heavily on their season.
Jackson is 4-0 this season in district play, and 5-2 overall, but they have been an offensive juggernaut since opening the season with two straight losses. They have put up 47, 35, 43, 60 and 76 during their win streak and have allowed just 41 total points in that stretch. Their last matchup was a 76-0 drubbing of Confluence Prep Academy, and likely the most telling stat, is that it was 70-0 at halftime.
The Quarterback duo of Zach Calder and Adrian Fox continues to shine through the air and on the ground, and top receivers Isaiah Davis and Kai Crowe continue to produce every week. The loss of Tony Williams at running back certainly hasn’t been ideal, but his smattering of replacements haven’t missed a beat, filling in more than admirably. And the defense, led by the bruising trio of Tony Terry, Fisher Stevens and Griffin Horman has been as stout as ever.
The competition hasn’t been quite as stiff during the winning streak, but that is about to change in Week 8. Holt is a legit threat and are currently sitting at 6-1 this season. They’ve scored 267 points and allowed just 61, so they are fantastic on both sides of the ball.
Last season they went 13-1 and their only loss came in the State Championship final, where they were barely edged out 26-21 by Webb City… who obviously won the whole thing. Quarterback Owen Merrell returned and has 846 yards and 12 TDs already this season though the air to go with nearly 500 yards and seven more on the ground.
The run game is their biggest weapon though, as Conrad King has 536 yards and ten scores as the lead back. Jackson can’t sleep on wide receiver Ty Williams though, who is the biggest threat through the air. He has 559 yards and eight TDs in what is shaping up to be a banner year.
Jackson is going to need to bring their A-game in this one, especially because they will be heading into foreign territory and won’t have the luxury of playing at The Pit. This could be a statement game for Head Coach Brent Eckley‘s revamped and rolling squad, and could set the stage for a long run in the playoffs.
Good luck Indians!
