East Jackson Looks for Leadership, Playoffs in 2024

Key participants for the East Jackson High School 2024 varsity football team include, from left, Coach Joe Niehaus, Nate Ratliff, K.J. Olivier, De’Angelo Alexander, Anthony Armstead, and Amaree Padgett.

By Jeff Steers | JTV Sports

(8-14-2024, 12:00PM):

After graduating a slew of key players, East Jackson High School Coach Joe Niehaus is wondering who will step up.

Both physically and mentally for the Trojans.

After finishing 2-7 a year ago, East Jackson looks for its first winning season since 2011.

“Our big focus this season is who will lead this team,” Niehaus said. “There is a good group of guys looking to follow (someone).”

Three candidates include lineman Nate Ratliff, quarterback Amaree Padgett, and back De’Angelo Alexander – who will all serve as tri-captains for the Trojans in 2024.

Ratliff was an all-conference honorable-mention lineman for East Jackson in 2023. Padgett is the fastest player on the team with a 4.7 time in the 40-yard dash. Alexander finished with 365 receiving yards and three touchdowns for the Trojans in 2023.

Other key players for East Jackson include senior lineman Tavi Lammon, K.J. Olivier (WR/DB), Anthony Armstead (WR/DB), Alex Lewin (OL/LB), and Gauge Parshall (OL/DL).

Assistant Coach Brett Hudson will call the offensive plays for the Trojans. East Jackson will use its speed and athleticism in an attempt to get playmakers the ball as fast as possible.

Niehaus said if the Trojans hope to make the playoffs, they need to make hay early in the season.

“We must have a fast start due to the schedule in the back half of the season,” Niehaus said.

The Trojans have six home games listed on its 2024 schedule, including a Cascades Conference crossover contest in week nine.

East Jackson High School 2024 Football Schedule:

Aug. 29 Lutheran Westland at East Jackson 7 p.m.

Sept. 6 Vandercook Lake at East Jackson 7 p.m.

Sept. 13 East Jackson at Addison 7 p.m.

Sept. 20 East Jackson at Grass Lake 7 p.m.

Sept. 27 Michigan Center at East Jackson 7 p.m.

Oct. 4 East Jackson at Manchester 7 p.m.

Oct. 11 Leslie at East Jackson (Homecoming) 7 p.m.

Oct. 18 Napoleon at East Jackson 7 p.m.