Brock Netter, Staff Writer
JACKSON — While the Frontier Athletic Conference is not a forgone conclusion, it’s clear that Jackson’s talent is superior to its counterparts.
However, Washington surely thinks it can present a couple of interesting challenges that could catch Jackson off guard — and make for an interesting game.
Since the FAC formed, Jackson has never lost to Washington, although the Blue Lions did put up 40 points in the matchup a couple years ago. It’s an offense that can still put up points for what it’s worth.
On the flip side to that, the Ironmen are currently riding a 14-game regular season winning streak and looking to extend it to 15.
Here’s a preview of SOSA’s Game of the Week:
| WASHINGTON | JACKSON | |
| 7-3 | 2019 Record | 11-1 |
| 0 | Playoff Appearances | 14 |
| 0-0 | All-Time Postseason Record | 6-11 |
| 0-3 (61-127) | Last five years’ results | 3-0 (127-61) |
| 7 | Last year’s score | 34 |
JACKSON IRONMEN (2-0)
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Jacob Winters (QB), Tristan Prater (WR), Treylan Davis (TE)
The Ironmen have been the class of the FAC, and one of the top teams in Southeast Ohio for the better part of the last decade. In 2020, nothing has changed.
Their offense, led by sophomore sensation Jacob Winters is putting up points, 50.5 per game to be exact, while the defense has been lights out, allowing just seven points all year long.
Although the run began to figure itself out last week against McClain, Washington presents a bigger and more physical unit up front, so it might not be as easy this week.
Jackson possesses speed and height on the outside with Tristan Prater, Treylan Davis, Macon Perill and Nate McManaway.
Fans could see more of an aerial attack from Ironmen this week.
WASHINGTON BLUE LIONS (0-2)
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Ethan Rodgers-Wright (QB), Calum Brown (WR), Tanner Lemaster (TE)
This wasn’t the ideal start the Blue Lions had in mind for 2020. A one-point loss to Minford followed by an underwhelming performance against Chillicothe.
However, if Washington can rebound and return to its week one form against Minford, it has a puncher’s chance.
In that game, the Blue Lions ran for 336 yards and battled back from a 20-7 deficit in the second half.
That’s the key to potentially upsetting Jackson; beat it in the interior. Washington has a big offensive line that can open holes for Ethan Rodgers-Wright, Trevin Downing and others to run through.
Throwing the ball 37 times like last week against Chillicothe isn’t going to win against Jackson, the Ironmen are way too good on the outside.
BOTTOM LINE …
Because Jackson is the overwhelming favorite to win the conference, Washington is somewhat playing with house money.
And a team with house money who also stacks up on paper from a skill perspective can be very dangerous. Tread carefully.