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Jackson High School football Coach Scott Farley will count on players, from left, Gibson Drummond, Marcus Hoskins, and Olando Trader in the 2021 season. 

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(August 13, 2021 10:17 AM) Jackson High School football Coach Scott Farley says the Vikings are young, but talented heading into the 2021 football season.

The Vikings will be tested early with games against former conference foes from Haslett and Grand Ledge and Division 3 state semifinalist Chelsea.

“We have a really young team,” Farley said. “If we are clean and efficient, we have a chance to get off to a good start.

“It is just a matter of how we handle the nerves.”

Jackson finished the COVID-19 shortened season with a 3-4 record overall. The Vikings were 2-2 in the Southeastern Conference White division in 2020. Jackson lost to Portage Central 28-12 in the Division 2 district opening game. 

Farley believes the Vikings will improve as the season continues.

“Once we have some confidence and experience, we have a chance to be really good,” Farley said. “We will be more balanced offensively in the run/pass.”

Returning quarterback Gibson Drummond is expected to lead the offense this season. 

The Vikings have a quartet of running backs in Charles Thompson, Michael Kirby, Cortez Stamper, and Miland Weatherspoon. The Vikings relied on a solid offensive line and Dorion Riley a year ago. 

“Four guys will get some carries from the running back position,” Farley said. 

Olando Trader will secure the defensive backfield for the Vikings. He has signed to play at Central Michigan University in 2022. 

Other players who will help the Vikings include Ephraim Cretsinger (OL/DL), Jarrell Harrell (WR/DB), Jesse Lusby (LB), and Marcus Hoskins (OL/DL). 

Defensively the Vikings will return five starters.

“The keys are to eliminate the big plays and stay healthy,” Farley said. 

A bonding session between players may go a long way to bring the Vikings together in 2021. 

“Players need to be able to take constructive criticism from some of the veteran players,” Hoskins said. “Having that time together gave us a chance to understand the point of view from other players.”

Viking fans will also notice a fresh look to Dungy Field with a new concession stand, bathrooms, and a new scoreboard.

Jackson will begin the 2021 season with three road games to complete projects near Dungy Field. 

Jackson High School 

2021 Football Schedule

Aug. 26 Jackson at Haslett 7 p.m. 

Sept. 2 Jackson at Grand Ledge 7 p.m. 

Sept. 10 Jackson at Chelsea 7 p.m. 

Sept. 17 Ypsilanti at Jackson 7 p.m.

Sept. 24 Pinckney at Jackson 7 p.m.

Oct. 1 Jackson at Tecumseh 7 p.m. 

Oct. 8 Jackson at Adrian 7 p.m.

Oct. 15 Mason at Jackson 7 p.m. 

Oct. 22 Jackson at Northwest 7 p.m.

Olando Trader catches a touchdown pass during a 7-on-7 drill at home in July. Photos by Jeff Steers, JTV Sports.
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