In 2015, if there was one team that had a breakout season, it was Cambridge Christian. The Lancers had never clinched a playoff spot in school history, much less win a district championship. With those facts, would you have thought that they would’ve taken their talents to a state title game? That’s the reality that they lived in 2015. They just kept winning, and winning, and winning.
They’re on the map this year, they’re that team that plays at Skyway Park every Friday, and they’re primed for another run towards the playoffs. They’re led by QB Jaylin Jackson, otherwise known as “Jackpot Jackson,” who gives you a jackpot of highlights every time he steps on the field. BCP caught up with Jackson to get his feelings on the playoffs, and what he thinks of their chances of getting back to the state title game.
BCP: Last season, you weren’t expected to 1) win the district and 2) go as far as you did. But you did it anyways. What’s the difference in the locker room between last year and this year?
J.J.: “There’s not really much of a difference because everybody is taking these things seriously, just like they did last year. It’s all about playing fundamentally smart. Coach Dare has been telling us to play smart, to study a ton of film, he wants me to change the play at the line depending on the coverage, he’s basically really letting me run this team.”
BCP: You guys have been scoring a silly amount of points [85 against Indian Rocks Christian alone]. What is it about the offense that makes it click so well?
J.J.: “The tempo. Everybody knows what their job is, what to do, and how to execute. Guys are making the right blocks at the right times to get big yards and play smart football. Everybody is playing with their heart, they want that ring.”
BCP: When OL Kyle Back transferred to CCS over the offseason, you guys got a huge boost. What’s been the effect of Back on the team?
J.J.: “He’s had a great effect for us. He’s a great teammate, he’s a great blocker, he’s able to get both to his left and right. Kyle can be just a little bit of a goofball [chuckles] though.”
BCP: Andrew Cunningham has been having a special year. Tell me how you’re relationship with him has grown in your second year together in the same backfield.
J.J.: “Our relationship has been way before the backfield. We’ve known each other since 7th grade. He knows what we’re trying to do, if he wants to change the play, he’ll let me know and we’ll change the play if he sees something I don’t. He watches a ton of film, and he’s been a very great player for us, but even more importantly, he’s become a student of the game this year.”
BCP: There’s been a lot of talk saying that you’re the “most slippery” player in the Bay Area. What do you think of that title?
J.J.: “I don’t know if I would call myself that, just because I don’t really watch a lot of high school ball outside of our film and our opponents film. However, I do try to always be the best player on the field, and I’m so humbled that I have the ability I do.”
BCP: What’s the expectation this year?
J.J.: “Right now, it’s about beating Admiral Farragut, and then going on to the next team, beating them, and so on and so forth.”
BCP: At the end of the bracket, it may come down to being another University Christian vs. Cambridge Christian matchup for the title. What will be different this year if that does happen?
J.J.: “We will be VERY prepared for them, we’re going to have a way better game. If it happens like last year, we’re going to be hyped everybody is going to bring their all. It’ll be a great game for sure.”
Jackson and his Lancers will take on Admiral Farragut tonight at Skyway Park at 7:30, where we will have updates and a full game recap this evening.