Times-Journal Sports Writer

As Meadowview Christian’s Rick Jackson glanced over his notes from the Trojans’ 56-17 loss to Abbeville last Friday, two points kept hounding the third-year head coach.

The Trojans turned the ball over six times, including four times in the first half. They also missed many tackles and allowed Abbeville runners to escape for a quartet of touchdown runs each measuring 50 yards or more.

While Jackson blamed first-game jitters for the turnovers, he added that his team must be more aggressive tonight when the Trojans host Jefferson Christian Academy.

“We didn’t do a very good job of taking care of the ball,” Jackson said. “We’ve got to get back (to) trying to be physical. You can’t make someone tackle. That has to come from inside.”

There is, however, good news.

On defense, middle linebacker Jason Longcrier registered 10 1/2 tackles and 160-pound outside linebacker Landon Mehan added 6 1/2 tackles.

Meanwhile, the MCS offense racked up 300 yards, including 88 yards rushing by Dustin Lee. Quarterback Chris Sewell was 9-of-15 passing for 96 yards, and rushed for another 70 yards. Tyler Wendell even booted a 30-yard field goal, the first-ever field goal under Jackson.

There was more good news for Jackson. The special teams also played well, he added.

The best news of all came this week, Jackson said.

“Practice this week has been as physical as it’s been all summer,” he said. “We really got after it this week.”

The Trojans and their coach

hope this week will be the turnaround on their schedule. Jackson said a victory is possible if everyone does their best against Jefferson in MCS’s first 2A East Area game of the season.

“All I’m asking for is a winning effort from every player that steps out on that field,” he said. “We’re going to play better this week. If we don’t, then

I’m going to be very, very disappointed.”