JACKSONVILLE GOLDEN EAGLES
Class, Region: Class 4A, Region 5
Head Coach: Clint Smith
2015 Record: 5-5
2015 Playoffs: Lost at Brooks 35-21 in the first round of the
Class 4A playoffs
2015 Rewind: 5-5 / Lost to Brooks 35-21 in opening round
of playoffs
Key Losses: Offensive Lineman Josh Barnes will be missed
K.J Satcher
in the trenches, He graded 85% as the Golden Eagles top lineman
Guard
in 2015. Sid Thurmond was a big play threat in 2015 and Smith
would love to have his explosiveness again this season. Linebacker Savon Parker led the
Golden Eagles in tackles for three straight years. Kicker Rico Ortiz was Mr. Reliable last
season.
Players to Watch: Offensively, Tailback
Tae Ackles returns for his senior season
after eclipsing the 1000-yard barrier in
2015. Ackles provides the power to the
Golden Eagle rushing attack while Niko
Richmond brings quickness and elusiveness
that is the perfect recipe for big play
potential. Both runners have the luxury of
running behind senior K.J. Satcher, who
has started every game since his freshman
year. Junior Colton Clark will take over at
quarterback with Nick Gangwer and Tahj
Kirkland as primary targets. Senior Mak
Curry will handle one defensive end spot.
Curry is a master of quarterback pressure
and could become a dominant defender this
fall. Junior Josh Glass is the “quarterback
of the defense” from his middle linebacker
post. Opposing quarterbacks will pass at
their own risk against the ball-hawking
secondary. Both Tahj Kirkland and Niko
Richmond could make opponents pay for
challenging them through the air.
2016 Roundup: Smith says that the
region race will be a tight one with
Cherokee County and Oneonta as teams to
watch. Jacksonville will open on the road at
Trinity Presbyterian in Montgomery.
Did You Know? For the first time in school history, Jacksonville has made
three consecutive trips to the playoffs.
56 | 2016 Pigskin Roundup the Magazine