Vikings welcome in Livonia Franklin with chance to win first district in program history
By Mike Moore
Staff Writer
Jackson – Playoff appearances have been few and far between when it comes to the
Jackson High football program.
Playoff wins, well, those have been ever harder to come by.
But as Scott Farley spoke about his 2015 team, and the opportunity it has before it, there
was little doubting the excitement this group has generated.
And there’s no ignoring the history that’s at stake tomorrow night when the Vikings
welcome in Livonia Franklin for a Division 2 district final.
“We have a chance to do something here that’s never been done before,” Farley boasted.
“The kids are excited with the opportunity.”
It’s not one they’ve been given, either, but a chance at the program’s first ever district
title that’s certainly been earned.
Since losing twice in three weeks in the middle part of the season, the Vikings have been
an absolute machine, especially on the offensive side of things.
During a five-game win streak, the guys in orange and black are averaging 46.6 points
per game, and a week ago, put up 42 in their seven-point victory against Livonia
Churchill, giving the program its first playoff win since 1999, and just the second ever.
“It’s our base stuff, really,” Farley said when asked what’s working so well on the
offensive side of the ball. “We’re running the triple option and the inside trap and the
power read. We have some very talented guys, and we’re gotten some great contributions
from everyone.”
Shonte’ Suddeth continues to be the offensive catalyst, rushing for 227 yards and three
touchdowns last week.
And while the passing attack hasn’t been a primary option, LaJuan Bramlett has been
effective when needed, throwing two touchdown passes last week.
Needless to say, the Vikings can engage in a shootout with just about anyone, even with
Corey Pryor out for the playoffs after suffering a broken leg in the district opener.
“And this may be a situation where we need to outscore them in a game like that,” Farley
said of the Franklin offense, which averages nearly 40 points per game, and during its
own five-game win streak has scored 30, 43, 49, 41 and 33, respectively.
“They are very comparable to Holt and Lumen Christi in terms of their size and speed,”
Farley added. “They have a very explosive offense. I don’t think they’re real flashy, but
they have a super-elusive quarterback and a big, physical offensive line.”
Franklin quarterback Denzel Adams has passed for 966 yards and 12 touchdowns, but is
even better on the ground, with 1,308 yards rushing on 161 carries and 19 touchdowns.
Jacob Clark (892 yards and eight touchdowns) and Nate Binkiewicz (768 and seven) are
perfect compliments.
Franklin (7-3) defeated Farmington High last week 33-30, needing just 33 yards passing
from Adams.
Clark rushed for 188 on 18 carries and three scores, while Adams added 110 yards on 15
carries.
For Jackson (8-2), there’s a very obvious challenge in the form of a solid, high scoring
and physical football team heading west on I-94 to Withington Stadium Friday night.
But with it comes the chance to rewrite the program history books, and establish this
group as maybe the best the school’s ever know.
“It’s fun around here right now,” Farley said. “This week was awesome with the weather
we had and practicing some of the basics. We’re keeping things sharp. We’re staying
healthy and we’re getting a lot of support. There’s a lot to like about what’s going on
around here.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can
reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication
to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by
contacting Mike directly.