Jackson Looks to Get Back to ‘Viking Football’; Win Games in 2026

Photos by Hannah Tacy & Henry Black, JTV Sports

David Rice | JTV Sports

Thursday August 13th

(8-13-2026, 12:00PM): After a 2-7 season in 2025, the Jackson Vikings bring back a talented senior class and look to get back to winning ways in 2026.

Jackson finished 2-7 in 2025 after getting in the playoffs at 4-5 in 2024, they have reached the postseason 6 of 7 seasons before 2025. Two of their losses were by just one score, and both of their wins were by one score.

Head Coach Antonio Parker is entering his fifth season at the helm of the Vikings. Parker says assistant coach Corey Pryor has started to emerge as one of the leaders of the program. Parker will again call the offense while Will Derr returns as the defensive coordinator.

Key players for the Vikings include seniors Jaiden Ramirez (RB/LB), who rushed for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns last year, Cam Walker (OL/DL), Kenyon Dunklin (RB/DB), Ta’Kye Estwick (WR/DB), and Jayden Roy (OL/DL). Juniors who will make an impact include Kylin Davis (QB), Caleb Gibbs (RB/DB), and Jaiden Potts (WR/DB).

Jackson returns with a spread offense look and wants to get their speedy players the ball and let them work. Skill positions and the defensive line will be key strengths for the Vikings this season.

Jackson looks to return to playing ‘Viking football’, and to return to the postseason along with competing in the SEC-White.

They open the season at home against Parma Western, a highly anticipated rematch from a 27-20 thriller in week one last season. The matchup features two of the three biggest schools in the area, and the two also played an all-time classic playoff game at Withington Stadium in 2022 where the Vikings walked it off on the final play.

2026 Jackson Football Schedule:

(all games at 7pm unless noted)

Friday 8/28 vs Parma Western (LIVE ON JTV)

Thursday 9/3 @ Chelsea

Friday 9/11 vs Pinckney

Friday 9/18 @ Ypsilanti Community

Friday 9/25 @ Tecumseh

Friday 10/2 @ Monroe

Friday 10/9 vs Ypsilanti Lincoln

Friday 10/16 vs Adrian

Friday 10/23 @ Northwest