Miami Trace and Jackson gear up to compete for FAC title
By: Grant Kiefer
Posted on:
ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — For the past several years, the Frontier Athletic Conference has run through Miami Trace and Jackson. Once again, the Panthers and Ironmen appear to be on a one-way track towards competing for the league title, continuing a rivalry that has defined the FAC’s recent history.
Last season set the tone. Both teams came into their Week 8 clash with a combined 11 wins, setting the stage for a heavyweight matchup in Jackson. The Ironmen delivered, pulling away 43–27 to all but secure their fourth straight conference title. This fall, the stakes flip to Miami Trace’s home turf, where Panther seniors are determined to turn the tables.
Senior Cooper Enochs knows how much that change in venue matters. “I think that’s really big for us. I think there’s always such thing as a home field advantage. You’ve got a big section of fans for you, bringing the energy, and that helps you bring the energy. And then just being at home—you don’t have to sit on a long bus ride. It’s nice to relax all day and get prepared mentally and physically for the game,” Enochs said.
Both rosters will look different without standouts like Trey Robinette and Nolan Johnson, but plenty of talent returns. Jackson, under veteran head coach Andy Hall, faces a rugged non-league slate—including a Division I opponent and a pair of Division V state contenders—that should sharpen the Ironmen for another title push.
“I think it gives your kids experience to be on the big stage and playing against big-time athletes and big-time programs that are very well coached,” Hall said. “Anytime you can get that type of experience, it’s going to help you further your playoff run. We feel like there’s a lot of unfinished business there. And again, this senior class is going to be in charge of getting that done.”
Miami Trace, meanwhile, has mirrored that approach, testing itself against the likes of Logan Elm and Batavia to build toughness before league play. Head coach Jerry Williams emphasized the grind awaiting his team.
“It’s tough. It’s physical. And we’ve got some teams that are going to challenge us this year. We have to prepare each and every week. We don’t see any week as a week off. We feel the FAC is going to be very tough this year. Our offseason schedule was very good, and the talent is there. We know we have to bring it each and every week,” Williams said.
Still, the narrative inevitably circles back to Week 9, when the Panthers host the Ironmen in what could decide the conference title yet again.
“Miami Trace has a lot of kids back. Their junior and senior classes are loaded, and they do a great job preparing those kids,” Hall said. “You’re going up there this year, and that’s going to be a heck of a battle.”
For Miami Trace star senior Adam Guthrie, the opportunity speaks for itself. “Definitely a special chance to win something that the school hasn’t won in a long time—at home. So hopefully we get it done,” Guthrie said.