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By Mike Moore

Staff Writer

 

Jackson — It was nearly a year ago to the date when the Jackson High football team took on East Lansing in Week 3, and by the end of the night had a 2-1 record.

 

The Vikings are looking for the identical scenario to play out in 2016, although with a much different journey along the way.

 

After falling to Coldwater to begin the season, the Vikings bounced back last week in a 20-14 victory over Ypsilanti Lincoln.

 

Young as the year may be, the game was an unofficial must win for Jackson, who was on the brink of an 0-2 start.

 

“We just played better,” Farley said of his guys in Week 2. “We played our scheme better. It really came down to that. I think a lot of the success Coldwater had on us was a result of us not doing our thing, and not tackling.”

 

Tackling has to be at the forefront Friday night.

 

East Lansing — which defeated Jackson 28-21 last year in Week 3 after the guys in orange and black started 2-0 — comes in having scored just 49 points this season, but has the weapons to blow a game open at any moment.

 

“They have some great athletes, a couple wide receiver-defensive back guys who are D-1 recruits,” Farley said. “They have a junior tight end with D-1 offers. They have a returning quarterback who was All-Conference last year. We have to be ready to play.”

 

Offensively, Jackson has stayed in its comfort zone the first two weeks, primarily running the ball while totaling 42 points.

 

Farley said his offense will have to be more two-dimensional this week because of East Lansing’s ability to slow the run game.

 

The onus in that regard falls to junior quarterback Lance Taylor, who is just 8-for-15 passing this season.

 

“But I’m plenty confident he can handle it,” Farley said.

 

While the opportunity to improve to 2-1 is the main focus for Jackson, the chance to go start 1-0 in conference play is just as relevant.

 

“These games all count as one, but this one feels like it counts a little more than the previous two,” Farley said. “Our goal is to compete for a conference title, and to do that, you have to start out on the right foot.”

Monster Motors Michigan Center

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.

Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.

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