Jackets looking for complete game

By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News




The Corner Yellow Jackets have played well on several occasions this season, but according to their coach, it has only been for one half at a time. Head coach Jeff Smith wants his club to put two good halves together starting this Friday night when they host Locust Fork in their final home game of the 2007 season.

“We have to put the whole game together,” Smith said. “Offense, defense and special teams. We’ve played well for a half, but we’ve yet to prove we can play four quarters of good football. We need to go out and prove we can do that this Friday night.”

The Yellow Jackets led Fairview last Friday, 17-14 at the half, but after back-to-back three-and-outs, they trailed 28-17 midway through the third quarter.

“We played good for the first half, but it didn’t carry over to the second,” Smith said. “Even when we beat Cleveland, we only played great in the second half. We’ve got to correct that.”

The visiting Hornets feature two back sets and want to run the ball first and throw second. Smith said he’s impressed with the size of Locust Fork’s offensive line and how well they come off the ball on running plays.

Locust Fork is coming off a 34-12 loss to Tarrant as they bring in a 2-5 record into Friday’s matchup.

The Hornets have one Region 5 win, as they beat Dora, 20-7 in the fourth week of the season.

According to Smith, the Hornets have suffered some injuries in their secondary, but no one is sure if some of those players can return to the field this Friday.

If they don’t return, expect the Yellow Jackets to attempt to work their passing game more than they usually do.

Since being installed as the club’s quarterback, sophomore Zack Price has thrown for 382 yards and two touchdowns.

Caleb Hoyle, who was the starting quarterback, has rushed for 284 yards since being moved to a running back position.

Casey Marcrum leads the club with 362 yards rushing and Devin Cuda has added 234 yards on the ground for the Yellow Jackets, who have rushed for 919 yards through seven games behind a senior dominated offensive line.