
The response from Jonesboro-Hodge High School head football coach Terrance Blankenship following last Friday’s scrimmage with Pickering when asked about what his feelings were was what you would expect from a seasoned veteran of the sidelines – typical “Coach Speak”.
“We did some good things,” said Blankenship. “But there were some things that we have got to clean up before next week.”
Go back before the beginning of any prior season and you would hear about the same thing. The only difference this time was that he said it with a grin on his face which upon further prodding proved to find out that the Tigers performance has led him to be optimistic about the upcoming season.
“I was very encouraged about what I saw” continued Blankenship. “Maybe this is the year that we can bring home a district championship.”
A district title would be the first in Blankenship’s eight year tenure but the Tigers have been getting closer each year. The last three years they have come in second each season and were just a late score away at North Caddo from winning the district 1-2A championship last year. The cause of the optimism is the return of a talented offensive cast and the promise of an unproven but apparently strong defense.
“I felt coming in we would be able to move the ball on offense and our play showed that we should be in good shape as long as we stay healthy,” said Blankenship. “Our defense didn’t allow a score and we were short a couple of guys so I am in hopes we will be OK on that side of the ball as well.”
It is expected to be breakout season for junior quarterback Tydre Malone and sophomore running back LaJavion Nichols. Both played up to their billing with Malone looking crisp in the pocket and Nichols gaining yardage in chunks as well as being a force at middle linebacker.
“These two have the capability to have an outstanding season if we can keep them on the field,” reflected Blankenship who also mentioned several others who made their presence felt.
“Mosee(Devontae), Calahan (Justin) and Boston (Cornelius) all showed they can be explosive at receiver,” said Blankenship. “Xavier Atkins, who is only a freshman, proved he is ready to play varsity ball also.”
The Tigers open the season this Friday by traveling to Ferriday to take on Delta Charter. Game time is set for 7 pm.
2020 Jonesboro-Hodge High School Roster
# NAME POSITION Hgt Wgt Class
1 Calahan, Justin WR/DB 5’8″ 170 Jr.
2 Nichols, LaJavion RB/LB 6’0″ 200 So.
3 Thompson, Brantrel RB/DB 5’8″ 160 Jr.
4 Lewis, JaMarriyea WR/DB 6’1″ 180 Jr.
5 Leonard, Chase WR/DB 5’9″ 160 So.
6 Boston, Cornelius WR/DB 5’10” 175 Sr.
7 Holden, Javious WR/DB 5’9″ 160 Jr.
8 Malone, Tydre QB/DB 6’2″ 180 Jr.
9 McGuire, Davion WR/DB 5’10” 185 Sr.
10 Webb, Connor TE/LB 6’2″ 205 Sr.
11 Andrews, Javeon TE/DE 6’4″ 225 Jr.
12 Bowie, Datre’vien WR/DB 6’1″ 175 Sr.
13 Malone, Symeon QB/DB 6’0″ 160 Fr.
14 Mozee, DeVontae WR/DB 6’1″ 160 Jr.
17 Strickland, Dominick TE/LB 6’1″ 200 So.
19 Thompson, D’Marrian WR/DB 5’10” 130 Fr.
20 Drayton, Ed’Tavious TE/LB 6’1″ 175 So.
21 Phillips, Savantez WR/DB 5’10” 175 So.
22 Thompson, Titus WR/DB 5’4″ 105 Fr.
23 Leonard, Chance RB/LB 5’6″ 185 Fr.
24 Atkins, Xavier WR/DB 6’1″ 175 Fr.
25 Bolds, Raynald WR/DB 5’9″ 150 So.
28 Jackson, Omarrion WR/DB 5’9″ 145 So.
31 Hernandez, Manuel WR/DB 5’8″ 145 Jr.
32 Williams, Amar WR/DB 5’10” 165 So.
43 Burks, LaVontae OL/LB 5’10” 190 So.
50 Qualls, Jayden OL/DL 6’1″ 240 Fr.
52 Henderson, Quiyontae OL/DL 6’0″ 220 Sr.
53 Bryant, Chaunasy OL/DL 5’11” 190 So.
54 Price, Aiden OL/DL 5’11” 220 Jr.
55 Jones, Calen OL/DL 5’10” 185 So.
56 Williams, Terry OL/DL 6’0″ 200 Jr.
57 Howard, Quirese OL/DL 6’3″ 300 Fr.
58 Smith, Peyton OL/DL 6’2″ 235 So.
60 Beard, Phillip OL/DL 6’0″ 205 Sr.
61 Jones, Demerrius OL/DL 5’11” 220 Fr.
63 Bryant, Chase OL/DL 6’1″ 225 Sr.
66 Tatum, Josh OL/DL 6’1″ 270 So.
70 Knotts, Austin OL/DL 6’1″ 340 So.
71 Leonard, Braylon OL/DL 5’8″ 235 Fr.
72 Levingston, Skylar OL/DL 6’2″ 330 Sr.
73 Boston, Kehlin OL/DL 5’10” 260 So.
74 Waters, Cartavious OL/DL 5’10” 255 So.
80 Atkins, Kalep WR/DB 5’10” 145 Fr.
88 Bradford, Tyler WR/DB 6’0″ 160 So.
Head Coach: Terrance Blankenship
Assistant Coaches: Anthony Anderson, Kris Cash, Justin Durbin, Carlos Hicks, Robert Hunter, Ethan Roberts, Charles Scott
Camera Man: DeMarrion Tatum
Managers: T’Keiriyah Martin and Ma’Hogeney Flowers