By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports
(October 12, 2024 8:00 AM ET) The Jackson High School boys’ soccer team is reaching for new heights.
The Vikings won a Southeastern Conference title in 2024, has a 13-game winning streak, and just won its first district contest in six seasons.
Senior Jacob Chirackal is enjoying the ride.
A four-year varsity player, Chirackal said the experience has “been great” – especially for seniors.
“Ever since the first game of the season we have been on fire … especially for the seniors,” Chirackal said. “There is a great bond between the seniors and the underclassmen.”
Jackson has not always been on top in soccer. Two separate changes have made that a different story.
Michael Zavala began coaching the boys’ varsity soccer team – bringing a youthful enthusiasm to the program – and a program that brings African students to Michigan.
“It is fun to see how the Africans have bonded with the rest of the team,” Chirackal said. “Over in Africa, that is how they play (relying on quick ball movements).”
The Vikings started the turnaround last year with an 18-9-1 record, but no district wins. Jackson started the 2024 season with a 2-1-1 record but has won 13 in a row.
Chirackal is enjoying the work he has put into the sport. He began playing at age 4 and has participated in travel soccer for quite a few years.
“A lot of times our club team starts in October and goes until June,” Chirackal said. “It is a long season.”
Chirackal is contemplating another long road as he plans to attend the University of Michigan and possibly study to become a doctor.
He has a perfect 4.0 grade point average – the highest in an unweighted grade point average system – and expects to be one of the Vikings’ valedictorians at the end of the school year.
“I am thinking about studying medicine right now,” Chirackal said.
He could put up his cleats at the end of the month but believes soccer has taught him several life lessons along the way.
“Soccer teaches you leadership … especially for the seniors on the team,” Chirackal said. “You can never learn these lessons without the soccer team and the sport.”
Jackson advances to the Division 2 district semifinal against Western High School Monday at Harper Creek at 7 p.m. With a win they would advance to the district final 6 p.m. Wednesday at Harper Creek.
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