The Skinny
In his first season, Coach Lance Helton guided the Jeff Davis Yellow Jackets back to the post-season for the first time in 16 seasons. However, the 2018 season is among us and Coach Helton has a new set of challenges. We asked him about the biggest challenge he and his staff will face this season.
“Replacing a great senior class,” Helton Said.
The Yellow Jackets do return quarterback Britt Metts, (All-Region Honorable Mention) along with Second Team All-Region running back, Jashaun Kirby. Kirby was second on the team in rushing yards last season and looks to be the feature back for the Jackets in 2018.
On defense, the Jackets will sport an impressive defensive line that includes Cody Ewing, a First Team All-Region selection last season and Roderick Lewis, a Second team All-Region selection as well. (Lewis and Ewing weigh in at 270 and 293 respectively.) Emanuel Rumph, who was also a Second Team All-Region selection, will be back in the secondary for the Jackets.
We asked Coach Helton if there were any games that were circled on the schedule.
“All region games,” he said.
After returning to the playoffs last season, we asked Coach Helton how success would be defined for the Jackets.
He replied, “The growth of our young men as individuals, and the growth of our team as a family.”
