The truth about Northeast Jones football over the past two seasons deserves a bit of raw honesty and a look at its unfortunate circumstances. From 2017-2018, the Tigers won just four games - three in 2017 and one in 2018. Three of those four wins came in region play. Several factors played a part, a few of those fall under the raw honesty side of things, but two stand above the rest - a brutal schedule and serious injuries.
Head coach Keith Braddock has avoided one of those two in 2019 and hopes the other can be as well.
"This year, going in, we scheduled teams [in the non-region portion of our schedule] who are a lot like us over the past several years," said Braddock. "They've been up and down. Now, these are schools with good traditions and history like us, but have lately experienced ups and downs."
Those non-district teams include Franklin County, Raleigh, South Jones, Purvis and Forrest County. The last two seasons, Northeast Jones played 5A rivals West Jones and South Jones, and 2A powers Taylorsville, Bay Springs and Collins, teams whose wins and losses combined for a 55-16 record.
“We caught all those teams when they were pretty good,” said Braddock. “It just happens that way.”
Injuries played a significant role in the Tigers 3-9 record in 2017. By the time region play rolled around, Northeast Jones had up to eight starters ruled out for the season with serious injuries.
Braddock would like to see his team stay healthy into Region 5-4A play this year - as much as can be controlled.
"Like Mason Smith - in a perfect world we wouldn't run him a lot [at quarterback]," Braddock said. "Ideally, we don't want to run his a lot until we get to division, but if it meant winning a ball game, then he'll get some carries. Those decisions are tough.
“And we’ve had struggles with injuries [over the past two years]. And they’ve been serious injuries, not just nick-nacks. We’ve re-evaluated what we do in the weight room in the offseason and different things like that.”
Mason Smith, now a senior, started the last season year at quarterback but was injured a few games in. He was forced to sit out multiple games. When Smith returned, he settled into other positions on the field instead of returning as quarterback, unless otherwise needed, which he was a game or two when Fafa Magee went down with a sprained ankle. Jio Jones, viewed as Tigers' best defensive player set to play this season, set out all but two games last year with an illness.
“Mostly it’s just been bad luck,” added Braddock.
On the assistant coaching front, a few additions are believed to help the Tigers return to its winning ways. In the offseason, Braddock hired former Tigers Ronnie Cochran and Ryan Milner, as well as West Jones alum David Ishee. Cochran and Milner played a significant part in Laurel High School's gridiron success over the last several years.
“We’re excited about Coach Cochran from Laurel and Coach Milner from Laurel,” said Braddock. “Both are great guys and coach coaches. They played here in the hay-day.
“Coach Ishee comes to us from Enterprise, and he’s done a great job for us too.”
Cochran coaches the defensive line, Milner coaches the offensive line and Ishee is listed as an offensive coach on Maxpreps.com.
Northeast Jones football practices in the August heat as the Tigers look to heat things up on the field in 2019.
“It’s been a great mesh with those guys,” Braddock added. “They’ve already made a huge impact.”
Such an impact that Braddock believes the strength of his team this year could be the offensive and defensive line.
"Our offensive and defensive line will be our strengths. Our front seven is pretty much back on defense," said Braddock. "Skill-wise, I think we have some athletic players that we'll count on, but they'll need some playing experience.
“Smith coming back at quarterback will be a big plus too. Like Smith, we have several guys as leaders that will help us out.”
Northeast Jones opens the 2019 season on August 23 on the road at Franklin County. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.
