Defending state champion Dragons want to finish strong

Posted Oct 27, 2011 by Nick Williams

Updated Oct 27, 2011 at 11:58 AM

After losing to Hillsborough two weeks ago at Jefferson, the defending state champion Dragons quickly realized their chances of repeating a championship season was over.

After starting the season 1-4, however, Jefferson has won its last two games and can still finish 6-4 if they win the final three games of the season. Jefferson (3-4) plays Leto (0-8) on Friday.

“We talked about leaving a legacy and the only way to finish was to go 5-0,” Jefferson coach Jeremy Earle said.

Jefferson’s first five games were against Robinson, Newsome, nationally-ranked St. Edward (Ohio), nationally-ranked Armwood and Hillsborough. The remaining five games are King (W), Sickles (W), Leto, Strawberry Crest and Brandon. Earle said he wanted his players to view the season in two halves. Now that the first is over, its time to focus on the second.

“It makes a difference as far as a team goal,” he said. “Our kids really embraced it.”

Earle said he’s also allowing the future of the team to get more playing time as the season ends.

“We’re really excited about the guys coming back.”