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Gallia Academy Wants Elusive Victory Over Rival Jackson
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It will be a Friday that both teams, regardless of outcome, will remember for the rest of their lives.
What’s at stake? For the Gallia Academy Blue Devils, an outright SEOAL Conference title. The past two seasons Head Coach Mike Eddy’s Blue Devils have been one win away from at least a share of the championship but have come up just short.
After a 23-14 win against the Logan Chieftains last week, Gallia Academy finds themselves in the same situation as the last two years: one win away from an SEOAL title.
Friday marks Senior Night at Memorial Field, and for a Blue Devil team that hasn’t defeated the Ironmen in their last three attempts, this game could send the Gallia Academy seniors away with their first win against Jackson.
The Jackson seniors on the other hand are no strangers to beating up on the Blue Devils. In their last three meetings the Ironmen have outscored the Blue Devils 96-40.
An Ironmen win on Friday, would mark the first senior class to go 4-0 against Gallia Academy, and be one of three Jackson football teams to every win at least a share of the SEOAL title three years in a row.
After a tough one-point loss to the Chillicothe Cavaliers, Andy Hall’s Ironmen look to move past the tough defeat and focus on the present., and that starts on the practice field.
“A more balances attack will be a big key to Friday, and making some more plays through the air,” head coach Andy Hall said.
Last week against the Cavs, the Ironmen had a problem airing the ball out which allowed Chillicothe to load the box and keep the play in front of them.
This week, the ability to establish a passing game will be crucial for Hall’s team. Great defense has been Jackson’s bright spot the past three weeks. Since Week 7, they have only given up 20 points.
But to keep up with Gallia Academy, they will have to be better offensively. The turnovers deep in opponent’s territory cannot happen against the Blue Devils.
Gridiron Glory Player of the Year Finalist Wade Jarrell has been the focal point of the Blue Devil offense and has a great opportunity to not only win a Conference Title on his home field, but also prove he is the next Gridiron Glory Player of the Year.
As said all year, his ability to extend plays as the pocket breaks down has been Jarrell’s strong suit the entire season, and will be a factor on Friday.
With an attempt to extend their winning streak to seven games, the Blue Devil big men up front will need to keep their POY finalist’s jersey clean, in order for him to be successful against the Ironmen defense.
Score prediction? I can’t be sure of that. One thing I can be sure of though, is a packed house this Friday night for a memorable game at Memorial Field.