Oct. 12 — Cheyenne — Chad Goffe ran the last 42 seconds of the second quarter overtime and was ready to head to the locker room, so he and the Cheyenne East coaching staff were called in on Friday night. We were able to work on adjustments in the second half.
So the Thunderbirds called on junior Drew Jackson for a simple running play while facing the prospect of having to pick up 20+ yards on third down. But scrimmage left a hole on the left side of his line and Jackson was able to break the play down the sideline for a 30-yard gain before going out of bounds just before his marker on first down. I made it.
“(Cheyenne Central) was crowded on the right side, so I ran on the left side,” Jackson said. “We blocked it pretty well and I was able to break free.”
That pick-up breathed new life into the East, and the coaches were determined to take the lead against crosstown rivals Central, with an eye for points. The drive ended after a fumble at the Indians’ 2-yard line.
“He’s a special athlete with the ability to change the game in so many ways,” Goff said. I was ready to take responsibility.
“Then (Jackson) broke that run and made a big profit and changed everything. That’s just him.”
Jackson finished the night with 171 yards and a touchdown to the ground. He also caught five passes for 111 yards and a score. If that wasn’t enough, Jackson also had his 74-yard kickoff his return, helping the East to his 28–17 victory.
These efforts earned him Jackson Prep Athlete of the Week honors from the WyoSports Cheyenne staff.
Jackson has 499 yards and four touchdowns in six games for the No. 2 East (6-1). That total would certainly be higher, but Jackson missed out on Sept. 16’s win over Laramie after smashing his head into the grass while trying to adapt and catch a pass the week before.
After being a standout receiver last season, Jackson returned to his natural running back position this fall.
“I think we’re doing pretty well,” Jackson said. “I’ve been playing all my life, so I can play better than receivers.
“It feels good to be back there, watching the hole, hitting the hole. I like it more. I don’t really know why, but I don’t have to worry about catching the ball. I like to get it and run it right away.”
Jackson is still a big part of the T-Birds’ passing game. He tallied 372 yards and his two runs scored in his 21 passes.
As much as Jackson is a weapon, East coaches aren’t exactly waking up thinking how to get him to play football. Instead, they’re trying to make the most of his considerable versatility in their plans. Jackson’s football IQ and instincts both match his physical prowess.
“Running backs have moments when they miss breaking something and you’re like, ‘Get it figured out,'” Goff said. , he’ll figure it out by the next time he sees it, and he’ll do something you don’t expect and be blown away.”
Jackson has a track record of being someone who makes a difference as well as making great plays at times.
“There’s a difference between thinking you’re a man and being a man, and Drew is a man,” Goff said.
Jackson continues the family tradition in that regard.
His father, Jonas, holds multiple records in multiple sports in the East and played college football for NCAA Division II Chadron State University in Chadron, Nebraska. His uncle, Marvin, also distinguished himself in East University’s multi-sport before being inducted into the Rocky Mountain, His Athletic, and Conference Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the track and field at Chadron State University. His grandfather, Marty, has been a coach at the East for many years.
“I tried to embrace it (the legacy),” said Drew. “I’ve always been chasing these records and I think it’s helped me become a better athlete. Sometimes I’m walking around. And someone is like, ‘Oh, you’re Jonas Jackson’s son.’ “Marvin Jackson is your uncle” or “Marty Jackson is your grandpa”.
“I think it’s kind of cool that people know me because of them. Gave me a little tip that I used…they know what they’re talking about.”
Jonas Jackson played receiver and safety during his time with the T-Birds. Marvin Jackson was a receiver and cornerback. Drew also plays safety. They don’t have much in common when it comes to positions, but that hasn’t stopped them from ribbing each other.
“We’re very competitive and we talk crap to each other sometimes, but that’s mostly constructive criticism,” Drew said with a laugh. , I’m still trying to do better than them.”
Others who have been recognized for their efforts are:
n Bridger Brokaw, Men’s Cross Country, Cheyenne Central: Jr. won the individual title at the Leroy Sprague Invitational in a time of 15:46.2.
n Kolbe Dierks, Cam Hayes, Colby Olson, Football, East: Junior Dierks had 10 tackles (3 solo) in East’s win over Central.
Hayes, also a junior, completed 19 of 27 passes for 285 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in that contest. He also rushed for 49 yards on nine carries.
Olson, who is also a junior, had 12.5 tackles (6 solo and 1.5 losses) against the Indians.
n Ryan Fornstrom and Stu Lerwick, Football, Pine Bluffs: Senior Fornstrom had four receptions for 113 yards and three touchdowns in the Hornets’ 57-12 win over Saratoga. He also posted 11 tackles (5 solo, 2 losses) and 1 interception.
Lerwick, also a senior, completed 13 of 20 passes for 217 yards and three touchdowns.
n Sidney Morell, Women’s Cross Country, Central: Sr. won the individual crown at the Leroy Sprague Invitational with a time of 18:7.1.
n Chase Turich, Football, Central: Jr. had nine tackles (four solos), two pass breakups and a fumble recovery in the Indians’ loss to the East.
Jeremiah Johnke is the editor of WyoSports. He can be reached at his jjohnke@wyosports.net or his 307-633-3137. Follow him on his Twitter (@jjohnke).
