Peyton Jackson is tackling the toughest challenges of his coaching career.
Jackson, who made a name for himself as the head boys’ basketball coach in the Wichita Falls area, is entering his first season at the helm of the football program.
Jackson was appointed athletic director and head football coach at his alma mater Quanah for the spring. And when he leads the Indians to American football for the first time, he doesn’t hide the sense of unease that grips him.
“I’m a pretty nervous guy already, so I’m not going to lie and say it was an easy transition,” Jackson said, two days before the Indians began practicing twice a day. , there was a lot of redoing assignments, missions, etc.
“This is not X and O. Those things are going to come. It’s the organizational part of it. If basketball season starts tomorrow, I don’t care. But to make sure we’re ready.” , I called my coaching friend about a million times.”
Jackson is counting on City View head coach Rudy Hawkins, current Iowa Park head coach Michael Swenson, and former Iowa Park and current Weatherford head coach Aubrey Sims. , is a familiar name.
But Jackson also benefits from the new but veteran presence on Quanah’s coaching staff.
Shane Stroud was teaching history at Quanah High School last year instead of coaching. Coincidentally for Jackson, Stroud’s classroom was next door to him, and he got acquainted with his coach, a veteran offensive who had honed his craft during his decade at Amarillo High School.
Jackson was able to ask Stroud to retire from coaching and is using his experience.
“We’re as short of a coach as everyone else, so adding him was a big difference,” Jackson said. have a lot of opinions on
offense
The Indians never run as many run pass options or screen plays as in recent seasons.
“It’s going to be at least 60-40 runs,” Jackson said.
Jackson expects either Michael Garza or Jason Sanchez to lead the offense, with the two battling for quarterback continuing throughout preseason practice.
Garza threw 20 passes last season, completing half of them before ending the season with a shoulder injury. Sanchez is transitioning from a slot receiver to a role in the backfield. The one who didn’t win the position battle will be the running back.
Brennan Thomas is a key offensive player and a player the Indians want to keep on the ball for as long as possible. He mainly plays slots. Thomas also played quarterback last season as he suffered multiple injuries at his position. Jackson doesn’t want that to happen in 2022.
“A pound a pound, he’s certainly one of the best athletes we’ve had,” Jackson said. “What he does with the ball makes the playcaller look pretty smart. .”
The Indians aren’t very big in the trenches, but Jackson believes the offensive force will be stronger than most people expect.
defense
The defense doesn’t change much under Jackson, utilizing a strange front in a 3-4 or 3-3 look.
Garza may end up being a quarterback on offense, but he’s already a linebacker and fills that role on defense.
“He’s our anchor,” said Jackson.
Kayson Northam is a linebacker and one of the team’s top returning tacklers.Xander Jackson, Cy Jones and Abel Silvas also form a strong lineback corps.
Thomas, Sanchez and Hutton O’Neill give the Indians experience in the secondary.
The defensive line lacks experience and size, but is expected to keep the Indians pinned ahead after senior Troy Barrera finished 10th.th at last season’s state powerlifting competition.
extra points
No pressure, Peyton Jackson. The program’s six former head coaches, including Jim Wood (9-1-1, 1980), James McDaniel (9-2, (1999)) and Jason Sims (8-5, 2010) 500 in their first season), David Fambrough (8-5, 2015), Matt Garvin (6-5, 2018) and Jason Cole (6-5, 2020).
Quana Indian
Head coach: Peyton Jackson (1st year)
Last year’s record: 2-9
Return starter: 7 offense, 7 defense
Basic Attack/Defense: multiple/odd fronts
Last playoff appearance: 2021 (lost to Roscoe in the second division)
Last district title: 2020
schedule
August 26 vs. Archer City 7pm
Sept. 2 Nokona 7:00 p.m.
September 9 vs. Petrolia (H) 19:00
Sept. 16 v Seymour 7pm
September 23 Hamlin 7pm
October 7th Memphis* 7pm
October 14 Clarendon * 7pm
October 21st vs. Shamrock* 7pm
October 28 Wellington* 7pm
November 4th vs. Wheeler* 7pm
Player to watch: QB/RB/LB Michael Garza (Jr.) – Garza could end up being the team’s starting quarterback or running back, but his role on defense is well defined. He’s a big boost for the Indians on the ball side.
Featured Game: August 26th vs. Archer City – Jackson’s head coaching debut will be against a familiar district foe. Indians start with 4 area squads in a row.