Even Mother Nature showed that she is ready for some football. This week began with a cool nip in the air as temperatures dropped into the upper 50’s. According to the long range forecast by kickoff this Friday evening much the same can be expected. That is FOOTBALL weather.
The 101st edition of Jonesboro-Hodge Tiger football will begin the 2020 season by venturing to Ferriday to take on Class A Delta Charter who will be entering only their sixth season. Last year the Tigers beat the Storm by a score of 56-28.
See below for the expected strengths and weaknesses of both teams:
Jonesboro- Hodge:
Strengths: The Tigers return their entire starting backfield from a year ago. Junior Quarterback Tydre Malone and sophomore LaJavion Nichols are expected to have standout seasons with each looking tremendous in pre-season practices and last week’s scrimmage. The receiving corp has good speed and has good open field ability. Defensively the Tigers have decent size and return several who played important roles last year.
Weaknesses: The line is untested and several are moving into new positions. It remains to be seen how well they will do. Another possible problem is the depth of the team. If the injury bug hits certain positions it could derail a promising season.
Delta Charter
Strengths: The Storm was basically a one man show last year and running back Tre Griffin returns for his final campaign. The senior averaged roughly 104 yards per game and accounted for nearly half (1824) of the 3820 total yards Delta Charter gained in 2019. The Storm rarely throws the ball but when they do Senior Kenzeric Hollins who caught 11 passes for 252 yards a year ago is the main target.
Weaknesses: The expected starting quarterback junior Peyton Roberts threw a total of one pass last year and the rushing/receiving production falls off dramatically behind the above mentioned duo. Delta Charter also lost their top three tacklers with many untested and new players being inserted into a defense that gave up 30 or more points in 8 of their 12 contests including the 56 the Tigers put on them.
Prediction:
Expect the Tigers to score early and often…….. JHHS 48 Delta Charter 16