Macomb Dakota

Helmet courtesy of MichiganHelmetProject.org

League: Macomb Area

Conference Red Division
Last season: 9-2
Opening game: 7 p.m. Aug. 28 at Anchor Bay

Offense

Key player: Gerald Jackson, junior, wide receiver

Jackson gives the Cougars a home run threat every time they get the ball in his hands.

As a sophomore, Jackson was second on the team in receptions with 30 for 364 yards and four touchdowns.

“He’s a lot quicker,” coach Mike Giannone said of the difference between Jackson then and now.

“He understands the game a lot more now, and things have really slowed down for him on the field.”

Getting Jackson the ball lands on the shoulders of junior Mark Morris, who split time at quarterback last year and completed 29 passes for 337 yards and five touchdowns.

“He’s a runner,” Giannone said of Morris. “He’s just a little more versatile, but he doesn’t have the big arm of Mitch Lovett or James Stallons.”

Morris totaled 156 yards on 45 carries and scored four touchdowns rushing last year.

Special teams

Key player: Gerald Jackson, junior, return man

Jackson brings the same speed and excitement he boasts at receiver to the return game, as evidenced by his return for a touchdown in the Cougars’ scrimmage against Warren Mott Aug. 20.

           
Coach’s outlook

The Cougars have a non-senior under center for the first time since 2005, but Morris’ versatility could lend itself to bigger and better things from the spread offense.

“He’s doing alright,” Giannone said of Morris’ adjustment to being the full-time starter after splitting time with 2009 grad Mike Romanchik.

“There were a couple of challenges as we put in some of our no-huddle, but that’s to be expected. He’s a runner, though, and we want to run.”

— Brad D. Bates