Jackson football embracing new faces while expectations remain the same
By: Joshua Jacob
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JACKSON, Ohio (WOUB) – Jackson football enters the 2026 season with plenty of new faces after graduating a large senior class. For the first time in three years, the Ironmen will have a new starting quarterback, and only nine seniors return, with just five seeing varsity action last season.
Despite the roster turnover, head coach Andy Hall said the standard in Jackson has not changed.
“Here in Jackson, we don’t have down years. The expectations are the same every year. It just takes young kids to learn how to grow up pretty quickly…. We have no excuses.”
Hall believes the program’s emphasis on toughness will help the younger players adjust to bigger roles.
“We try to teach toughness in this program, kind of an old-school mentality, If you’re tough, then you can work through those growing pains and hopefully reach the goals.”
While the Ironmen have several new starters, they return experience in key areas. Hall expects the offensive line to be the team’s biggest strength, led by Jace Sturgill and Seth Taylor. Defensively, Jackson returns its two All-State cornerbacks, Dayton Kallner and Christian Gillum, to anchor the secondary.
Even with those familiar faces, fans shouldn’t expect to see the same team they watched a season ago.
“We don’t do the same things every year on both sides of the ball,” Hall said. “Our offense this year will look different than it was last year. Our defense will be different than it was last year because it tries to fit the kids that we have.”
Jackson will also be tested early with a challenging nonconference schedule, but quarterback CJ Crabtree said the Ironmen approach every opponent the same way.
“Whether it’s the FAC or non-FAC schools, we approach them all the same. Prepare all week, get our guys together, new game plan every week, and it’s no different.”
Jackson opens the 2026 season on Thursday, Aug. 20, against Unioto.