Jackson-Milton seeks return to the postseason

By STEVE RUMAN

sports@vindy.com

NORTH JACKSON

The Jackson-Milton High football program made history in 2015 when it reached the playoffs for the first time in school history. The Blue Jays followed that up a year later with another post-season berth. Back-to-back losing seasons followed, however a veteran senior class – which experienced the playoffs as freshmen – is providing hope in North Jackson.

“We had a great off-season, and I think that is going to carry over to the regular season,” said second-year coach Nathan Brode. “Senior leadership is always a key, and we have a great group of seniors on this team.”

“I actually coached these seniors when they were in the seventh and eighth grade. They’re great kids who will take the underclassman under their wings.”

OFFENSE

The Blue Jays return a wealth of talent on the offensive side of the ball, and the biggest strength will be up front. The entire offensive line, anchored by senior John Landis, returns. Landis is a four-year starter. Like he did a year ago, Landis will line up with next to the likes of Harrison Lay, Shane Davis, Joey Keller and Logan Pugh. All but Pugh (6-foot-3, 240 junior) are seniors.

Senior Michael Liberato was used primarily as a running quarterback last fall. He will take full charge of the offense under center.

“We expect to utilize Michael more this year as a passer, we expect to open things up a bit,” Brode said.

The Blue Jays also bring back experience in the backfield in junior Sean Lengyel (750 yards, 7 TD, 73 carries). Senior Ryan Staton (nine receptions, 146 yards) will bring experience to the receiving corps. He will be joined by seniors Jakob Fay and Hunter Nitzsky.

DEFENSE

Lengyel, Landis, Lay and Staton combined to record over 270 tackles a year ago. With all four back, the Blue Jays should improve on a defense which allowed 24.7 points per game.

Liberato was a mainstay in the defensive secondary, where he hauled in a team-high three interceptions.

The defensive unit forced 18 turnover.

“We have to create more turnovers this year, that has been a huge focal point of summer camp,” Brode said.

In all, the Blue Jays return eight lettermen on defense.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jackson-Milton lost both its punter and kicker. Brode says that there is “an ongoing battle” to fill the punting void, noting that freshman Gerald Ihrig and sophomore Nicolai Scandy both have the skills to handle the duties. The kicking game is still a question mark.

Like he did a year ago, Fay will handle the short and long-snapping assignments.

Liberato and Lengyel will serve as the return specialists.

OUTLOOK

Jackson-Milton began the 2018 season with four consecutive losses, but finished the season strong, winning four of six.

The Blue Jays return eight starters on both offense and defense. They lost just four players to graduation, and the roster increased by nine – from 25 to 34 players. Seventeen lettermen will provide a wealth of experience and some much-needed depth.

“We have some pieces in place, we just have to get better with each practice and each game,” Brode said. “We preach the importance of practice, the importance of becoming better players and a better team each day.”

Last year JM opened the season with a three-point loss to Southington. The Blue Jays host the Wildcats on Aug. 30.

“Every coach insists that the first game is the most important, but that’s especially true with us,” Brode said. “We had a chance to tie the game late with Southington last year with a field goal and we didn’t capitalize. Things kind of spiraled from there. It’s imperative that we open the season with a win.”