Football preview: Jackson determined to improve on one-win season

A year after reaching its second straight Class 5 state semifinal, Jackson bottomed out to one of the worst seasons in the program's storied history.

The 2010 Indians will look to bounce back from last year's 1-9 disaster that featured nine consecutive losses to begin the campaign.

Jackson avoided the first 0-10 season in its 115-year history by beating rival Central in the finale.

"Last year was just total disappointment," said coach Van Hitt, in his third season running the program after being a Jackson assistant since 1979, including the final 19 years as defensive coordinator. "We've addressed it all winter, all summer, today. ... We're going to try and turn it into the Jackson Fighting Indians again."

Despite not returning much experience, Hitt believes things are headed back in the right direction. Senior tailback Ethan Ruch agrees.

"I don't want to make any predictions, but it's all positive going into this year," Ruch said. "Last year is all in the past."

Hitt said a more positive attitude should help the Indians turn around things.

"We're going to have to really fight and fight hard to win, but we've got a lot better attitude all-around teamwise this year," said Hitt, whose squad opens the season Saturday at O'Fallon Christian. "Our summer program went real well. We've made a lot of strides. We're way ahead of where we were last year."

A stagnant offense was Jackson's primary downfall last year as the Indians averaged just 8.5 points per game. They were shut out twice and four other times scored six points or fewer.

"We just struggled running the ball, throwing the ball," Hitt said. "When we got a good pass off, we would drop it. When we'd have a receiver open, we'd miss him. It was one of those deals."

Jackson doesn't return many regulars on either side of the ball, but the Indians do welcome back their quarterback and tailback, which Hitt said is two good places to start.

Bobby Clark, a sturdy 6-foot-4, 205-pound senior, is the Indians' signal caller. He had his ups and downs last season but Hitt said he has improved considerably.

"He had a good spring and summer," Hitt said. "He's a big, strong kid who throws well, moves well. It's good to have him back."

Ruch had a solid 2009 season, rushing for more than 600 yards despite battling injuries. He gained 306 yards in the final two games, including a season-high 167 in the next-to-last contest against Rockwood Summit.

"He ran well for us last year," Hitt said.

Other backfield possibilities are juniors Kyle Fields, Levi Rutherford, Mark Copen and Trent Sizemore, along with sophomore Wolf Knickerbocker.

Senior Stetson Proffer returns at wide receiver. He was in the lineup early last year, then got hurt and didn't play much the rest of the season.

Others in the mix at receiver are seniors Chris Poyner and Afton Eftink, and sophomore Logan Wren.

Fields also should play some tight end, along with senior Kurt McDowell and junior Brandon Wills.

Hitt said the Indians lost four of their five starting offensive linemen, with senior guard Michael Riney the lone returning regular.

Senior Brandon Duffy steps in at center while senior Luke Slinkard takes over at the other guard spot, Hitt said.

Competing for the tackle positions are seniors Chris Eldridge and Alex Collier, junior Nathan Sullivan and sophomore Jeff Kennett.

Jackson's line won't be hurting for size as all of the candidates except Riney and Kennett tip the scales at more than 250 pounds. Collier and Sullivan are listed at 316 and 323 pounds, respectively.

"If we can get the blocking, I think we'll be able to move the ball," Hitt said.

Like the offense, Jackson's defense also doesn't return many starters, but Hitt said several players saw considerable action in 2009.

Returning down linemen with experience are seniors J.T. Payne, Chris Ludwig and Wes Dillard, along with junior Jacob Jones.

Linebacker candidates are Fields, Wills, Rutherford, senior Austin Gonzaque, senior Dalton Watwood and junior Kyle Greenwalt. Gonzaque started at safety last year.

Copen and Sizemore return as starting cornerbacks. Ruch, Proffer, senior Blake Stone and junior Devan Wolpers also should see action in the secondary.

Jackson lost a major weapon in strong-legged and accurate kicker Morgan Johnson, but Hitt believes the Indians have a promising replacement in sophomore Adam Brown.

"He's looking real good," Hitt said. "He's got a good, strong foot and he's pretty accurate."

Clark returns at punter after having a solid junior season.