Bloomfield Hills

Perfect fit

By Christian Davis
C & G Staff Writer

Bloomfield Hills Lahser quarterback has team heading to state semis

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Bloomfield Hills Lahser senior quarterback Drew Jackson felt the pressure coming. He scrambled to his left, and in a flash saw a receiver cutting right.

He delivered a perfect strike to senior Zach Dauch, who was then off to the races for an 82-yard score.

That touchdown eventually gave the Knights a 21-17 victory over Warren Fitzgerald Nov. 15 at home in a Division 3 regional championship.

“I looked down to my first (read), but he wasn’t open,” Jackson said after the game. “Then I looked to my next read and tried to buy some more time with my feet. I knew he was coming all the way across right. I saw him open, and just hit him. ”

The victory earned Lahser a berth in the state semifinals against Inkster High. The teams will meet at 1 p.m. Nov. 22 at Birmingham Seaholm for a chance to go to the state championship.

It’s a very impressive playoff run for a team with not only a new starting quarterback, but a new starting quarterback that’s completely new to the program. Though Jackson is a senior, he transferred from East Lansing High to Lahser at the beginning of the second semester last year.

Lahser coach Dan Loria said after seeing Jackson’s work ethic, he had no doubt that he would not only fit it right away, but that he could be a leader.

One of the attributes that makes Jackson such a weapon is his football sense.

“He has a great, great pocket presence,” Loria said. “We always compliment our offensive line for pass blocking … and they do a great job of protecting him. He does a great job of moving the pocket. Pressure comes this way, he shifts over a little bit, and the protection is still there.”

When Jackson does have time, and even on plays when he doesn’t, his arm can prove lethal for opposing defenses.

“He’s a Division 1 prospect,” senior running back Bernard Tyler said. “That tells it all. He’s an athlete, and he has an arm.”

“The biggest thing was getting used to our type of offense, which fits a big arm,” Loria added, “So it was kind of a match made in heaven.”

In the regional final, Jackson finished 9-for-16 for 146 yards and a score.

“It’s been awesome,” Jackson said of the season. “It’s a dream come true.”

For more on the game, visit our Web site at www.candgnews.com and click on the Sports link.

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.