Spring football: Jay looking for ‘big things’ from experienced defense entering 2024 season

Things continue to improve for the Jay football team.

Under the guidance of third-year head coach Brian Watson, there’s been growth – whether that be the literal team size, or play on the field. For the first time since 2018, the Royals posted a winning record during the 2023 campaign.

The season ultimately ended with a heartbreaking loss to Northview in the Class 1R region quarterfinals, considered an upset since Jay was seeded fourth, while the Chiefs came in as the No. 5 seed.

But it was more so the fact that Jay was back in the playoffs for the first time since 2019. And it was the first time the Royals hosted a playoff game since 2018. During that postgame huddle, Watson told his players that making the playoffs wasn’t going to be a “one-time thing.”

Now, with a good chunk of starters returning – primarily on the defensive side of the ball – that’s where the Royals are hoping to continue to progress even more.

“We were really happy with the way our defense progressed last year,” Watson said, noting that the Royals have to replace just a defensive lineman and a middle linebacker from last year’s squad. “We expect really big things from our defense.”

The two spots that need to be filled are left by Joe Norris, who recorded 57 tackles in just eight games, as well as Caden Barnes, who posted 40 tackles in nine games. Other than that, top defensive players like Weston Salter (66 tackles), Brady Godwin (60 tackles) and Steven Davis (59 tackles) are back.

All four players who recorded interceptions – Grayson Shehan (2), Keaton Payne (2), Hayden Morris (2) and Jackson Durst – were all juniors last year.

And that points to another positive sign: the amount of upperclassmen the Royals boast. Historically, the Royals have had a pretty young program. With about 60 kids – from grades nine through 12…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/spring-football-jay-looking-big-090525199.html

Author : Pensacola News Journal

Publish date : 2024-05-18 09:05:25

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