HS KICKOFF: Jeff Davis looks to rebound after forgetful season
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The defensive front may be the key to JD’s early-season success. (Staff Photo. For more photos, visit our photo gallery) Staff Report The message given to the Jeff Davis Volunteers by head coach Travis Pearson this week is simple. “Let’s get a win!” Undemanding to some but for a team coming off a 1-9 season and one that struggled to score points, it’s the right place to start. “I think this team is ready to compete but until we get on the field and see what we can do, we can’t know,” Pearson said. “We’ve seen good things in practice… but that’s practice. Let’s see if we can take it to the next level.” The Vols play host to Dothan on Thursday to officially open the 2010 high school football season. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Cramton Bowl. It is the only game scheduled for Thursday in the River Region. Pearson has spent most of the preseason finding the right combination of players, particularly on defense, which will be young again. But this time with experience. “I have eight guys back on defense (this) year,” he said. “All of them started last year but very few are seniors. I am relying on that because I thought we got better at the end of last year.” Pearson likes his linebacking corps as well the defensive line. They will be tested against the Tigers, who are a run-oriented team. “We are still looking at some things but I like what we have there, athletically,” Pearson said. “I think by the end of the season, this could be a pretty good group but they are still learning.” Doug Brown returns as the top quarterback. Based on preseason performance, he should be better this season. “He sort of got thrown to the wolves last year,” Pearson said. “He learned a lot on the run. He made some plays but there were times when he tried to do too much. A year of maturity should help him.” The game will be broadcast live on NetAl.com. Click to watch.
Thursday’s box Dothan at Jeff Davis (7 p.m., Cramton Bowl)
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Prediction: Dothan 15, Jeff Davis 11
