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Coates’ return has Eagles inspired
By Steve Ruman
If history does indeed repeat itself, Warren JFK football fans must be thrilled with the timing of the return of Jacob Coates.
Last Saturday, Coates returned to action in the Eagles’ 28-27 win over St. Thomas Aquinas (8-2). He pulled in five pass receptions to help JFK finish the regular season with a 9-1 record, and earn a home playoff game.
Coates also returned a punt 70 yards for a score, but a penalty nullified the play.
The senior standout — and last year’s North Coast League player of the year — had been sidelined since Sept. 2 with a shoulder injury.
Saturday, Warren JFK will host Toronto (8-2) in the Division VII Region 25 quarterfinals.
Last year in a regional semifinal game, Coates was a one-man wrecking crew when JFK defeated Toronto 40-6. In that contest, Coates scored on a 25-yard pass reception, a 28-yard run and a 50-yard punt return, He also recorded a pair of interceptions — all before halftime.
Fully healed and with a game under his belt, Coates is anxious to return to the postseason.
“I remember that [Toronto] game very well, it was a special time because last season was the first playoff experience for a lot of us,” Coates said. “I just wanted to have an impact.
“I wanted to cut loose and keep our season going. I was fortunate to be at the right place at the right time on a couple of plays.
“It’s pretty unique that we’re playing Toronto again just as I’m coming back. But we’ve watched film. They are really good, this will be a huge challenge.”
Coates was injured in JFK’s 17-0 win over LaBrae in the second week of the season. He underwent shoulder surgery, and knew that he would be sidelined approximately seven weeks.
“Sitting out, that drove me crazy,” Coates said. “It really made me appreciate how much I love the game, and what it means to me. Getting to play last week on Senior Night was very special.
“And I will cherish the playoffs more than ever. I’ll do whatever I can to keep extending the season.”
Against Aquinas, Coates played on offense (flanker) and defense (cornerback), and he returned kickoffs and punts.
“Once I got on the field, I felt completely comfortable, like I was never gone,” Coates said. “I think it was huge to get a game under my belt before the playoffs. In that regard, I was pretty fortunate in the timing of my return.”
During Coates’ absence, Warren JFK didn’t miss a beat. It lost just one game while recording three additional shutouts. Eagles coach Jeff Bayuk said the season-long performance was a credit to the players and his coaching staff “who constantly made adjustments on an as-needed basis.”
He pointed out that Coates’ injury was the first of a string of injuries which left JFK scrambling as it limped into mid-October.
“As strange as it sounds, the injuries to Jacob and other players helped mold us into a more well-rounded team,” Bayuk said. “By necessity, backup players had to step up and earn valuable varsity time. We were scrambling to move players in different roles. My assistants were constantly coming up with innovative looks and formations that would best suit our lineup as it constantly evolved.
“Now with Jacob back, teams are going to have to again focus on him. He is a special and unique talent. But at the same time, they now know that we have other weapons which can impact a game.”
And while Coates may not have been a factor on the field for seven weeks, his presence was always felt throughout the program. Bayuk noted that while Coates was sidelined, he never missed a game or practice, and his leadership role played a big part in the Eagles success.
“I say that it’s great to have him back, but at the same time from a leadership perspective, he never left,” Bayuk said. “Jacob was there every day supporting his teammates, offering encouragement and advice, providing a positive influence.
“Jacob helped this team succeed, even when he wasn’t on the field doing what he does best.”
Warren JFK and Toronto meet Saturday at Mollenkopf Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. The winner will play either Mogadore or Jackson-Milton in a regional semifinal.