By Tom Williams

williams@vindy.com

NORTH JACKSON

Jackson-Milton head football coach Mark Assion has had seasons where the number of seniors on his roster were fewer than the fingers on one hand.

No wonder he feels a little bit like it’s Christmas in August because the Bluejays have at least 13 players getting ready for their final varsity season.

“It’s completely different,” Assion said of his players’ experience this season. “When they were freshmen, there were only four seniors. Some of [this year’s seniors] got thrust into the limelight at an early stage.

“When they were sophomores, a lot more of them [earned] playing time. They experienced some success — we went 6-4 that year.”

Last season, the Bluejays went 3-7. They expect a better outcome this fall.

“We only had five seniors [in 2014] so a lot more [of the juniors] got to play,” Assion said.

OFFENSE

Senior Mike Assion returns for his third season as the starting quarterback. Supporting him will be senior running back Joey Burnside, who rushed for 1,006 yards last season.

“Most of the seniors have been playing [together] since sixth grade,” Burnside said. “So we have the best chemistry, I’m saying, in the whole league.

“We know how to play with each other, we don’t get down like former Jackson-Milton teams. We’re together and we work hard.”

Three-year starter Tyler Phillips returns at center. Also back are left tackle Steve Yuhas and right tackle Mason Mercer. Adam Smith is back for his second season as a starting receiver.

DEFENSE

Anthony Italiano, a starter at linebacker since his sophomore season, said he and his classmates are ready to cash in on the lessons they received two years ago.

“A lot of us got pushed into the starting lineup [during] our sophomore year,” Italiano said. “[We] had to step up and make plays — the experience has really benefitted us.”

Cam Shaffer is the other starting linebacker returning.

The defensive line returns tackles Tom Deak and Zach Socha. Assion (three letters) and Smith return to anchor the secondary.

Special teams

Zak Lane is the punter and Jonathan Voland is the kicker.

Outlook

Jackson-Milton is part of the new six-team White Division of the Inter-Tri County League. Their league opponents are Western Reserve, McDonald, Lowellville, Sebring and Mineral Ridge.

“It’s going to be nice to be able to compete more against teams our size,” Smith said. “I feel we’ve got a really good shot at making the playoffs.”

With the clock winding down on his varsity career, Italiano hasn’t minded practicing in the August heat.

“I guess I appreciate them a lot more now because I know my days are numbered,” Italiano said. “I’m guaranteed 10 weeks left. All of the seniors are trying to make every single one of them count.

“We’re not trying to waste time. We’re trying to get something done, extend our season.”