Jackson's Jansen, Gross earn honors at banquet

~ Gross picked up the annual coaching honor, while Jansen was named the SEMO North's top lineman.

Jackson senior Cole Jansen was named the SEMO North Division's top lineman at the Poplar Bluff Gridiron Banquet on Wednesday.

Jansen was a force on both the offensive and defensive line for the Indians. With the help of Jansen and the rest of the offensive line, Jackson running back Joel Penrod rushed for more than 1,000 yards and 18 touchdowns this season and led the SEMO North with 112 points.

On defense, Jansen finished with 50 tackles, including 13 for a loss and five sacks.

Jackson coach Carl Gross was also named coach of the year in the SEMO North.

Dexter senior running back Alex Becker won the Carr Trophy, awarded to the top player in the conference. Becker rushed for more than 1,600 yards and 23 touchdowns for the Bearcats.