BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer
JACKSON — Ignited by a defense that has allowed just 39 points through four games, and an offense that has displayed big-play ability at critical junctures, the Jackson High School football team is off to a 4-0 start.
Second-year head coach Mike Smith has fine-tuned this group of players into one of the best squads in the Shore Conference this season. The Jags sit atop of the American Division as they prepare for a Friday night showdown with Freehold Township.
Jackson has had almost two weeks to prepare for the meeting against the Patriots. Following a win over Lacey Township in week four, the Jags had this past week off.
“The bye week actually came at a very good time,” Smith said. “We are a little banged up, but nothing serious. It gave us a chance to heal, but more importantly it gave us ample time to prepare for Freehold Township. We know that is a critical part of our season. We need to go in focused and confident. We feel that we are well prepared for what they will throw at us.”
Jackson hosts Freehold Township 7 p.m. Friday in the first of two big games back to back. The following week, the Jags host Toms River North.
“This is the biggest part of our schedule, no doubt about it,” Smith said. “We have two quality opponents coming in here. We need to make sure that we are ready to go. Both of those teams are going to huge tests for us.”
In fact, Toms River North knocked off Freehold Township, 38-12, last Friday night. The Mariners exploded for 21 points in the second quarter and added 14 more in the third to top a scrappy Freehold Township club.
Smith is hoping Jackson’s defense has the same success that Toms River North had against Freehold’s offense.
“We know what we have to do in this game,” Smith said. “They run a similar offense to what we have. They’re always going to have a couple of athletes that are capable of producing the big play and putting up big numbers.”
Toms River North did an excellent job of shutting down Freehold’s ground attack. The Patriots were held to less than 40 yards rushing. However, Freehold quarterback Tom Porricelli completed nine passes for a total of 170 yards, including two touchdown passes to wide receiver Chris Dorf.
The Jackson secondary had problems against the pass early in the season, but Smith insists the Jags have straightened the problem out.
“We’ve done a much better job the past few weeks,” Smith said. “Still, we need to make sure that we don’t give up the big play. Early on we were a little inconsistent in the secondary.”
The Jackson offense is led by tailback John Reggio, who has gained more than 300 yards in the team’s last two games. Senior quarterback Bill Fenimore has performed admirably in spearheading the passing attack, while Jackson’s offensive line has done a solid job of opening holes and blocking.
“We feel confident,” Smith said. “If we keep the mistakes to a minimum and execute our offense the way we are capable, we are going to have a shot at winning another game.”