2018 Pigskin Preview: Jones Senior
Head Coach:
Greg Hampton (10th year at Jones Senior, 51-66)
Schedule:
Aug. 17 at Jacksonville Northside
Aug. 24 vs. South Lenoir
Aug. 31 at East Carteret
Sept. 6 vs. Kinston
Sept. 14 at Union
Sept. 21 at Williamston Riverside
Sept. 28 vs. Pamlico County
Oct. 5 vs. Tarboro
Oct. 12 at Chocowinity Southside
Oct. 26 vs. South Creek
Nov. 2 at Pinetown Northside
Last 5 years:
2017: 0-11
2016: 6-7, reached second round of NCHSAA 1A playoffs
2015: 6-7, reached second round of NCHSAA 1A playoffs
2014: 1-10
2013: 0-11
Game to watch: Aug. 24 vs. South Lenoir
The last time the Trojans hosted the Blue Devils in 2016, Jones Senior took a 41-8 lead into halftime in an eventual 55-36 victory. South Lenoir exacted revenge last year with a 49-6 win in Deep Run and both teams will look at this game as pivotal toward success throughout the year. Expect some fireworks.
Players to watch:
QB/CB Detorian Brown
The junior didn’t play last season, but showcased abilities as a dual threat quarterback during the summer. With an elusive style, Brown should give the Trojans a dimension the team hasn’t seen since A.J. Taylor in 2016.
RB/CB Jacob Kinsey
The sophomore had the Trojans’ lone receiving touchdown in 2017, also averaging 14.8 yards per catch last season. Kinsey had 36.7 percent of Jones Senior’s offensive yardage with 244 yards rushing and receiving, and will boost those numbers this season.
WR/CB Syheen Sauls
The senior didn’t get many touches last year, but will look to make the most of his opportunities in 2018. Sauls will look to be one of the Trojans’ primary receivers as the team will look to open it up more after showcasing multiple looks in scrimmage.
Smith’s Prediction:
Jones Senior will score more than three touchdowns in 2018. The Trojans dealt with a very rough 2017 and will be young this year, but Ironman football will continue to be a calling card with a more competitive roster. This team will deal with a very tough nonconference slate and the Coastal Plains Conference isn’t friendly (the other six schools won at least five games last year, including 1AA NCHSAA state champion Tarboro.
I’ll say Jones Senior goes 2-9, but if the team can harness its potential and grow up quickly, a third trip to the playoffs in four years doesn’t sound too farfetched. Prove my initial prediction wrong Trojans.
Hanks’ Prediction:
There might not be a better NCHSAA small-school coaching staff than the one Greg Hampton has assembled in Trenton. However, while the team has a lot of heart, the lack of numbers on the sideline doesn't match.
The best-case scenario for the Trojans is possibly three wins, while it's entirely possible the squad could go winless; I'll fall somewhere in between and predict Jones Senior will win one game in 2018.
