7/8 ’Canes Undefeated, Playoffs Start Tuesday
The football season for the 2019 Jasper County Recreation Department (JCRD) 7-8 Gray Canes has certainly been one for the books. They will be competing against surrounding counties in the playoffs next week after they finished their regular season this week with a 6-0 record.
The first game is next Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 6 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field vs. the Greene County gold team.
Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students and seniors over 55 years old, and free for those under five years old.
“When we look back at how we got here, without hesitation we know this was truly a team effort from the players, coaches, and parents. These young and very talented athletes worked incredibly hard to learn how to effectively play offense and defense in a few short months. From tackling dummies to pushing the sled around the field, from running sprints on hot days to listening to all of the coaches every word, there is no doubt the 7-8 Gray Canes gave it their all,” said the announcement from the recreation department.
Organizers expressed thanks to the parents who stuck it out during the hot summer days, long practices, and even extra practices.
“Thanks you for helping with snacks, drinks, uniforms, fundraisers, photos, videos, chain gang, scoreboard, and anything else. We always knew we had the support we needed to be successful from the parents.”
From baseball straight into football, the coaches worked incredibly long hours, held our boys accountable on and off the field, and gave their heart to each and every player. They worked together to build strong athletes and ultimately developed a team that had passion, a team that thrived off of being better than they were yesterday, and a team that never gave up.
Our coaches didn’t have a limit on what they would do for the team, which included countless hours spent making our very own turnover pads. The turnover pads are given out when the players recover a fumble, and if you haven’t experienced the excitement a player has the moment those pads are placed on his shoulders, it’s certainly one for the bucket list. Our coaches focus on the little things, and everything they do is for the boys.
Thank you to our wonderful coaches: Kerry Sands, Justin Haizlip, Amante Sands, Ben Manville, Matt Goolsby, and Jontae Sands. Thank you for being leaders to our children. Thank you for all of your hard work, creativity, passion, and dedication.
Get ready Canes fans, because the future is bright for the 7/8 JCRD group.
Team members include Leland McGuire, Dejwan Andrews, Kason Beam, Zani Cole, Jack Davis, Kobe Davis, Bristyen Denny, John Goolsby, Jackson Haizlip, Nelson Hooberry, Peyton Hyman, Bryce Manville, Carter Peek, Andrew Pittman, Keilynd Porter, Lenox Sands, Wailer Sands, and KeMaryon Whidby.