By MIKE McLAIN

sports@vindy.com

NORTH JACKSON

You could say that first-year Jackson-Milton Bluejays coach Nathan Brode has taken on a big challenge.

Prior to the start of training camp Brode was set to continue on as an assistant in the program under veteran coach Mark Assion. That changed when Brode was named head coach as practices were set to begin in late July.

The sudden change propelled Brode into leading a program that is coming off two consecutive 7-3 seasons and the first two playoff appearances in school history.

The community went from rarely expecting success to being on the verge of expecting it.

“There are definitely some expectations, I’ll tell you that,” said Brode, who welcomed a roster with just six seniors. “Coming in as a new coach, I expect the same thing. I and the coaching staff will put in as much work as possible to get that done. The ultimate goal is to play in Week 11.”

OFFENSE

One of the questions heading into camp was to find a replacement for graduated quarterback John Voland, who accounted for close to 1,500 yards last season. Senior Sebastian Lay, who is new to the program as a senior, and sophomore Michael Liberato were splitting reps. Promising freshman Aaren Landis is also in the mix.

The quarterback will line up behind a line that gained plenty of experience last season and is considered the strength of the unit. Sophomore Kent Gross (5-7, 180) is set at center. He’ll be flanked at guard by seniors Austin Mercer (5-9, 235) and Zakary Lane (5-10, 190). The tackles are senior Nicholas Scarl (5-11, 180) and sophomore John Landis (5-10, 220).

Junior Jimmy Harper returns as the starter at running back. Freshman Sean Lengyel provides depth, while Ryan Staton will flex between the backfield and receiver.

Seniors Johnathan French and Taylor Kleinknecht return to head a deep group of receivers. Junior Bryce Davis and junior Dyllen Gibbs will also be in the rotation. French can also align at tight end.

DEFENSE

Brode will go with a 3-3 stacked look led by Scarl at middle linebacker. Scarl, who led the unit in tackles last year, will be surrounded in the middle by Harper and Staton. French and Gibbs are the outside linebackers.

Sharing time up front will be Mercer, Lane, Landis and sophomore Logan Firby (5-6, 180). Brode likes the speed this group has shown.

“Pretty quick defensive linemen,” Brode said. “Our guys aren’t slow by any means.”

Davis and Kleinknecht are the corners, with sophomore Jakob Fay adding depth. Lengyel and sophomore Hunter Nitzsky will work at safety.

SPECIAL TEAMS

The Bluejays are set at punter with Lane. Lay and Gibbs have been working out to handle kickoffs, extra points and field goals. Kleinknecht will return kicks and Lengyel will handle punt returns. Other returners are Gibbs and Staton.

OUTLOOK

The Bluejays will join Western Reserve, McDonald, Springfield, Sebring, Waterloo, Lowellville and Mineral Ridge in the first year of competition in the Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference.

“Any time you can put good football teams together and compete for a league title, there’s nothing better than competition,” Brode said. “It brings out the best in all our athletes. When you go up against schools like Western Reserve, McDonald, Springfield and Waterloo — you’re talking bigger schools than we are. All we can focus on is one week at a time, and right now that’s beating Southington.”

After opening against Southington, J-M plays non-conference games against Newton Falls and Windham before opening conference play.