Pigskin Roundup 2015 | Page 62

CLASS 4A REGION 6 JACKSONVILLE GOLDEN EAGLES Back-to-back second round playoff berths have some folks in Jacksonville thinking football first. The town known more for it’s work on the court and diamond, is gaining a reputation of winning on the gridiron under fourth-year head coach Clint Smith. This season, however, Smith and his staff will have to work with a young football team. Only three seniors dot this roster of Golden Eagles, which means they’ll have to make up for it with plenty of “Eagle Speed”. Leading the way on offense is a pair of playmakers in quarterback Quen Veasley and tailback Taye Ackles. Both have big play ability and Ackles, who is just a junior, may have a shot to play on Saturdays in the coming years. They’ll play behind an offensive line that is limited on returning starters and expected to start two freshman. K.J Satchel, Jamarcus Dudley and Trent Horn will need to help pull this unit together. On defense, Jacksonville is led by stud defensive end Mak Curry. Standing 6’ 1” 225 pounds, Curry will be tough to block. Josh Bell and Nick Gangwer will help solidify the front seven at linebacker. Niko Richmond will play cornerback. TAYE ACKLES Running Back SCHEDULE 8/21 Alexandria.................Away 8/28 Weaver.....................Home 9/04 Crossville..................Away* 9/11 Sardis......................Home* 9/18 Cherokee County.........Away* 9/25 Open 10/02 Cleburne County..........Away* 10/09 White Plains..............Home* 10/16 Hokes Bluff................Away* 10/23 Saks........................Home COACH CLINT SMITH... “The main key for us this season is how quickly some of our younger players develop in order to give us the depth we need.” 60 | 2015 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine