Jaguars look to maintain their level of excellence
BY MIKE WHITE Staff Writer

ERIC SUCAR staff Jackson Memorial's Don Murphy eludes a Middletown South defender during a recent scrimmage in Middletown.

JACKSON - The Jackson High School football program follows a simple formula of success: run the football, control the clock, and play solid defense. There aren't any trick plays or fancy formations.

"We've had a lot of success in the past using this kind of approach," sixth-year head coach Mike Smith said. "Our goal is to establish the run right away. If we can do that successfully, that opens things up for the pass. We aren't going to deviate from what we have done in the past."

Indeed, Jackson has one of the best run offenses in the state. For the past 11 years, the Jaguars have boasted a 1,000-yard rusher. Smith is hopeful Jackson can keep the streak alive.

"We live by running the football," said Smith, whose team opens its season Friday night at Southern. "That is no secret. We've had some very good backs come through here. Running the football is something we feel we need to do well in order to win."

Replacing Mark Schiavone, the team's best back last year, is no easy task. However, Jackson is never short when it comes to quality running backs. Year after year, another seems to emerge to lead the offense. Also lost to graduation are offensive lineman Tim Nolan and linebacker Dan Hopkins.

"We lost a couple of quality players," Smith said. "That is something that happens every year. We're used to it. We have some talented kids who can step up and fill their shoes."

Leading the Jags into the 2007 season are a solid nucleus of seniors. Chris Rae (offensive lineman/defensive lineman), John Cirri (quarterback), Don Murphy (running back/linebacker), Mark Bergery (wide receiver/defensive back) and Eric Brown (wide receiver/linebacker) are looked to for leadership.

Junior Ryan Wood is another experienced varsity player who will double at fullback and linebacker.

"We've got a nice core of kids this season," Smith said. "We may have a bit of inexperience at certain spots, but for the most part we feel real good about our situation this season."

Last year the Jags posted a 7-4 overall mark, which included an overtime loss to Hunterdon Central in the semifinals of the state tournament.

"It was a solid season," Smith said. "We made the playoffs again and had a nice win in the first round. We lost a real tough one to Hunterdon Central. The kids fought and played hard. That's all you can ask for."

Jackson has a couple of newcomers Smith feels could have an impact. Seniors Brian Sweitzer (offensive lineman/defensive lineman) and Matt Benson (linebacker), along with junior Alex Lynch (offensive lineman/defensive lineman) should see plenty of action.

"I feel we're a pretty well-balanced club," Smith said. "We're solid on both sides of the ball. We have a little bit of inexperience up front, but those guys will adjust as the season progresses."

As for playing on the road at Southern to open season, Smith knows that is never an easy proposition.

"This is going to be a tough one," he said. "They're a big, physical football team that has everybody back. This is a test for us right away."