Jefferson has exceeded coach’s expectations

Posted Sep 29, 2010 by Nick Williams

Updated Sep 29, 2010 at 09:36 AM

When he learned of his team’s national ranking early Wednesday morning, Jefferson coach Mike Fenton knew once his players became aware, it would become an even bigger deal. It didn’t take long for the cat to jump out of the bag. After the first bell Wednesday, Jefferson athletic director Bob Morgan announced on the intercom the team was ranked No. 50 in the ESPN RISE Fab 50 national poll.

“It’s kind of neat,” Jefferson coach Mike Fenton said. “We try not to look at the hype, but obviously they’re kids.”

Jefferson’s last national ranking came in the 2002 season when the team reached the Class 4A state championship. Fenton said this year’s team is very reminiscent of that group.

“Very much so,” he said. “We had a lot of Division I players on that team with Andre Caldwell. They remind me of that group.”

Through four games, the Dragons have outscored opponents 191-60 and are averaging 47 points per game.

“They’ve kind of exceeded (my expectations) a little bit,” Fenton said. “Our starters only played the first half against Osceola and Quentin (Williams) through for 340 yards and five touchdowns. That’s ridiculous.”

Jefferson went on to win 62-7.

Fenton said Williams could surpass former quarterback Stephen Garcia’s passing yards (8,081) and touchdown (83) record sometime this season. Williams broke Garcia’s single-season school record of 29 touchdown passes last season with 35.

“What really pleased me was our backups,” Fenton said. “My biggest fear this year was our depth but our backups stepped in and didn’t miss a beat. It’s been a team effort.”