Jets begin climb to respectability
Isaac Shafer (41) runs with blocking from Damien Tate (89) in the scrimmage at James Clemens
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- A new coach and a new attitude have spirits high as James Clemens begins their second football season still looking for their first victory. Most players are back with a year of experience and a year in the weight room to get bigger and faster.
Wade Waldrop moves from ChelseaHigh School to take over as coach and brings a reputation for being organized with a detailed plan and a time limit on practices.
“I know as a teacher it’s hard to keep these kids attention for two hours but we’re going to keep them moving around,” Waldrop said after the first official practice. “If I can’t get it done in two hours, I’m probably in the wrong job.”
James Clemens problems last season started with an offensive line decimated by injuries and missed games. Constant shuffling to fill the holes led to breakdowns on offense.
Depth will again be an issue as James Clemens deals with one more year of not having a full senior class.
Logan Stenberg (Jr. 6-foot-5, 315) will anchor an offensive line that returns experience at every position from last season. Andrew Nelson is at right guard, Jake Bickel at center, Keona Parker at left guard, and Jordan Sogers at left tackle. Trevor Makarov returns at tight end.
“Our attitude and our demeanor will start with those guys up front,” Waldrop said. “We want to be physical in the running game and our offensive line is the key to what we do. Those guys need to stay healthy.”
Last season there was no running game. The passing game consisted of quarterback Heath Birchfield running for his life and winging it downfield.
Remarkably, Birchfield did not miss a game or even a series to injury and the lefthander returns as the starting quarterback.
“The offensive line and the receivers have gotten better this summer,” said Birchfield (Soph. 6-foot, 180). “It all starts with the offensive line. If they can’t block we can’t throw the ball or run. We have to show teams that we have got a lot better and can compete.”
Two new speedy running backs should help the Jets offense. Torolla Walker starred at Liberty Middle last year. Sophomore Maceo Booker brings speed and moves.
The Jets are well stocked at receiver with Deondre Douglas and Hunter Olive. Trevor Makarov returns at tight end.
Senior linebacker Jayce Hampton suffered through last season and says inexperience and youth will not be used as an excuse any longer.
“We have the experience now and we have matured, we’re a lot stronger so there are no excuses not to come out and do our best and compete.”
Hampton has allowed himself to plan how he will react to the first win.
“We can celebrate but after that we have to go on to the next game.
Waldrop will depend heavily on Hampton.
“He is starting at middle linebacker and has done a great job of leading and learning what we want to do. He’s going to have to be a playmaker. So does Jordan Lowe, a sophomore linebacker who really flies around to the ball,” Waldrop said.
Deondre Douglas is one of only six seniors on the team.
A successful season for him would be “winning a game and making the playoffs.”
One improvement over last year is the 100-yard practice field just steps from the Jets field house. No more half mile hikes to the soccer fields for practice.
The Jets held their first full scrimmage on Friday.
