JCMS Generals Football Off to Great Start

The JCMS Generals football teams have gotten off to a hot start on the season. Much of the success is attributed to nearly 50 players participating in grades 5-12. The depth has made practices more competitive and realistic to game situations. 

In the first game / scrimmage against Foley the Generals struggled on offense and could not sustain drives due to turnovers and penalties. The Generals were sound defensively only giving up two scores on basically three or 4 big plays. Since special teams were not played the game was more like a live scrimmage with the Generals losing 14-0.

The following week was a success for the Generals Varsity and JV teams. The varsity beat Jenkins by a score of 38-0 with several Generals scoring touchdowns. Tyler Sandlin, Colton Smith, Hez Purkey, Kendrick Dezarn and Karson Muncy contributed points for the Generals.  Defensively the Generals were led by Linebackers Chase Shearer and Ty Roberts and great defensive line play by Sawyer Couch and Lane Marcum. Colton Smith led the team in tackles against Jenkins with 3 solos and 3 assists. 

The next game was played at Estill County’s Hoover Niece Field in what was a homecoming of sorts for JCMS Head Coach Russ Shearer. However, another Shearer made impact plays in this game to shut out the Engineers. Chase Shearer had several key tackles and an interception to seal the victory and lead JCMS to their second straight shutout. Colton Smith, Ty Roberts, Kendirck Dezarn and Hez Purkey also played well for the Generals with several pass breakups and interceptions. Jayce Dozier also had a key interception in the second quarter to end an Engineer threat before halftime. At halftime the Generals led 24-0 and stellar offensive play in the third Quarter led to another touchdown before the subs came in and finished the game.  Offensively the Generals were led by Colton Smith and Tyler Sandlin with two touchdowns each and some late runs by Karson Muncy helped run the clock and keep the chains moving. 

On Thursday, August 22nd, the Generals opened their conference season at home against Pineville. In what was a defensive battle the Generals scored late to secure a 6-0 win at home. Colton Smith Scored the lone TD of the game and also played well defensively with several key stops. The first half was a combination of great defense and field position. The second half opened with a muffed kickoff by the Mountain Lions which was recovered by Luke Hisle near mid-field. Much like the first half, the second half was great defense by both teams. Nearing the end of the game, the Generals scored with 11 seconds in the fourth quarter and held on to win. Offensively Colton Smith and Ty Sandlin lead the rushing attack. A huge catch by Kendrick Dezarn helped the Generals offense set up field position which would lead to the game winning score. Defensively the Generals were led by Sawyer Couch, Hez Purkey, Hayden Isaacs, Ty Roberts and Chase Shearer. Ty Roberts had a key fumble recovery which led to the game winning drive. 

So far this season has had a successful start. “Our defense and special teams are really carrying us right now” said Coach Shearer. “We have instilled in the kids some good leadership and they are learning football at a very high level. We have some talent, we are slowly learning and becoming more disciplined. We are learning not to beat ourselves.” 

The Generals who have not given up a score in three games will be tested by Leslie County on Thursday. The Eagles like to throw the ball and get it to their athletes in space. Leslie County defeated Harlan to start their conference slate. The game will start at 6 PM unless the heat forces the game to a later time. The game will be played at JCHS Football Field.