Bruce cruised to a 35-0 win over Coffeeville on Thursday, a team formerly led by Trojan head coach Jamaal Jackson.
The Trojans (2-4, 0-1 Region 2-2A) dominated all facets of the game against the Pirates whose schedule was left in shambles this season due to numerous division opponents canceling their season due to COVID-19. Jackson was pleased with the performances of many of his players, including Justice Hampton and some younger athletes.
“A constant is Justice Hampton,” Jackson said. “He’s always going to go right. He ran the ball hard and played great on defense. I think defensively, we’ve been solid pretty much all year.”
The aforementioned younger players saw some valuable playing time on Thursday, including Korique Pierce who led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns.
“Offensively, one of my younger guys stepped up: Korique Pierce,” Jackson said. “He ran the ball really hard and scored a couple of touchdowns. I put quite a few of my younger ones in, and they actually held their own. I think we played a pretty solid ballgame.”
The passing game also was a factor for the Trojans on the evening as Austin Plunk found Karon Hooper on a 60-yard touchdown strike. Zack Marter also had a fumble return for a touchdown.
This week, Bruce will try to break the streak held by rival Calhoun City in the Skuna River Rivalry, and Jackson has a simple goal for his team leading up to this Friday.
“Match their intensity,” Jackson said. “[Calhoun City plays] with effort and intensity all the time, and we can. If we come out with good effort and good intensity, I think it’ll be good. I love this game. I know I can put it on the back burner and say it’s just another game, but it’s a rivalry, and we want to get the rivalry back to how it used to be.”
Both Jackson and Calhoun City head coach M.D. Jennings were players in this rivalry in their high school careers, and Jackson is hoping to restore some of Bruce’s competitiveness in the rivalry during his tenure.
“It’s been kind of lopsided lately,” Jackson said. “I realize that. Calhoun City’s been consistent. We want to get back on that consistent level.”
Kickoff between Bruce and Calhoun City is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Trojan Field.
