Some lessons are easier to learn than others. The one that the coaching staff from Jonesboro-Hodge learned in the 48-14 thrashing at the hands of General Trass High School out of Lake Providence was down right painful. The good news is that the education was taught early in the opening game of the 2022 LHSAA football season and that the Tiger braintrust showed that they are quick learners.
The proof is in the play of the Tigers in the second half. After falling behind in record fashion by a 34-0 margin after two quarters of play, JHHS played the District 2-2A defending champions to a 14-14 tie in the second half.
“Obviously we are disappointed in the outcome,” said Tiger head coach Terrance Blankenship in a post game interview with KLRQ 94.1 radio, who broadcast the game. “I can’t remember a first half where so many things went wrong but I am proud of the guys for continuing to fight.”
It was one of the more forgettable first halves in JHHS history. General Trass opened the game by running the ball 8 striaght time to cover 61 yards and take a 7-0 lead. Two plays later the Tigers fumbled leading to a three play, 32 yard score. A 62 yard interception return by the Panther defense on the third play of the Tigers next possession increased the deficit to 20-0 by the end of the first quarter.
It was expected that in the early stages of the season that the Tigers offense would be a “work in progress” due to the Tigers having untested players lining up at virtually every skill position, several for the first time in their career. A fumble and errant passes had killed the Tigers in the jamboree loss to Franklin Parish and after the early repeat performances, Coach Blankenship knew that changes needed to be made.
“With no one coming back with hardly any experience we tried to fill the gaps by putting guys in positions they weren’t accustomed to playing. Sometimes no matter how baf you want something, it is like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, it just won’t work,” reflected Blankenship. “We decided it would be best to put in a couple of freshmen, who were used to playing the positions in junior high and move the other guys back to where they were comfortable.”
Call it “lesson learned” by the coaching staff. You can also call it not only a bold move but an unprecedented one.
Despite attempts to verify otherwise, it is believed to be the first time in school history, or at least the more recent history, that the Tigers have opened the season with a 9th graders playing quarterback and running back.
“They are both talented kids and we knew that both of them would one day see the field. We just didn’t expect to have to call on them so soon,” said Blankenship. “To their credit, they both proved the challenge wasn’t to big for them and they were ready for their opportunity.”
The change provided immediate positve results. With Dakota Knox now taking the snaps and Jason Blackburn handling the bulk of the running chores the Tigers embarked on a 59 yard drive that was highlighted by a 37 yard scamper to paydirt by the ultra quick freshman. Sadly a penalty wiped the score out. When General Trass took the ball over on downs they continued their offensive onslaught with a 67 yard touchdown pass and then on the next possession another 57 yard strike.
The 34 points allowed in the first half is the most the Tigers have ever given up in a season opener and fourth worst in Tigers history. Another dubious mark is the 48 points allowed is the second most in a season opener trailing only the 57 points that Winnfield scored in 1995 adn tying the mark of 48, again by Winnfield, in 2011.
The second half was a different story altogether that took alot of the sting out of the one sided loss. Looking nothing like the team that got dominated in the first half, the Tigers opened the third quarter by scoring two quick touchdowns, one by the offense and one by the defense.
The Tigers opened the frame with Knox connecting with Xavier Atkins for a 30 yards gain, much of the yardage coming on the strength of the powerful junior’s tackle breaking ability. Three plays later the “young gun” lofted a beautiful pass between two defenders into the arms of Cameron “Chase” Leonard, who was now back at his more familiar wide receiver position, for the Tigers first score of the game. This was followed by Atkins blocking a punt on General Trass’s next possession that Raynald Bolds scooped up and returned 26 yards for another touchdown.
When asked what was the impetus to the Tigers starting the second half with such an inspired effort, Blakenship smiled and gave a quick “tongue in cheek” explanation.
“You could say that we had a heart-to-heart, come to Jesus, talk with them.”
Then the Tiger coach got serious and expounded further.
“The problem we had in the first half was one that began well before this game ever started,” said Blankenship. “Basically the entire half we addressed the attitude the team had of thinking that just because we were successful last year they acted like all they had to do was step on the field this year and win.”
“I think that we finally got them to understand that last year was last year and it is gone,” recalled the coach. “We also let them know that the effort shown in the first half was unacceptable and from this point on if anyone expected to play they had better start proving they deserved the right to be on the field.”
Call it “lesson learned” by the players.
Blankenship, who entering his 10th year at the helm of the football team is now tied with Jack Jaggers for the longest tenure in JHHS history, expressed hope that the loss, while painful, will end up being a useful experience for the team.
“I think we as coaches learned alot about our team that we can build on and the guys learned alot about what they need to do as well,” reflected Blankenship. “Hopefully the second half is an indication that they understand what is expected of them and they will take this into the game against West Ouachita.”