ARROWHEAD PRESS
ONLINE NEWSPAPER
and Reid Landers (‘24) who are apart of the Jackson High School football team, share their similarities and differences about being on the football team.
Although the different grades reflected a lot of their answers there was one that they had in common, and that was who inspired them to start football. For many people a movie or an older sibling inspires them to get their start but that's not the case for these guys. The person who inspired them the most to start their sport was someone close to them. Their dads.
As the football season progresses, and the number of wins increases. Parsons states that the season is going great and they are doing good as a team.
The Bigger Picture
First Glance at Friday night lights
By: Sophia Blanton
A cool breeze swirls by as the crowd goes wild for another Jackson Indian touchdown. The sound of the crowd interacting with claps and cowbells to congratulate the team on the winning touchdown. This creates an exciting environment.
“One of my favorite parts about being a freshman on varsity is how the crowd interacts with the environment,” stated Jaylon Hampton (‘27).
Hampton, Drew Parsons (‘26), Cole Geiser (‘25),
_JPG.jpg)
_JPG.jpg)
“The season is going good so far because we are doing the little things right,” stated Parsons.
As the wins increase, the closer the Jackson High School football team gets closer to state. Stated Geiser
“Making it to state and going all state as a DB (defensive back),” Geiser states his goals.
Behind all the wins and progression, there was a big change that happened this past year. Some people wouldn't be okay with a change to something as big as a coach change, but Landers states that this change was for the good.
“I feel as it was very good for our team and that we needed a new change in our program,” stated Landers.
Coach Jaysa Jenkins and players Leila Smith (‘27), Isabella Sostillio (‘27), Alexis Nugent (‘27), Lily Ellet (‘26), Addison Smith (‘27), Lola Mooty (‘27), Rachel Berger (‘27), Kate Church (‘27), Adallyn Prater (‘27), Jayla Smith (‘26), Lilly Watkins (‘26), Brooklyn Williams (‘26), Kendall Leland (‘27), and Anna Knippen (‘27) gather for a photo in confidence showing off matching team jerseys.
Empowering Girls in Basketball
We Can Do It Better
By: Riley Henderson
“Don't forget why you started, the love of the game is the most important thing when it comes down to it play because you love the game and you wanna have fun,” stated Jaysa Jenkins, girls' JV basketball coach.
In today's society, sports can be seen as more of a male-dominated arena, but female players at JHS work just as hard and have just as much talent that needs to be recognized as male players.
“Attendance at the games is hard, like there’s way more people at the boys games than at the girls,” states Brooklyn Williams (‘26) JHS student on the JV girls basketball team. “I feel like there is a lot of passion behind women’s basketball, which the audience is missing out on.”
And for people not in attendance, they are missing out on a competitive team, performing at a high level. For example, last year’s team won districts last year and is geared up to do the same.
Being with the team as much as these players are throughout the year can develop unexpected long-lasting friendships and bonds.
“I have got a lot of friendships through the team because I’m with them for like 3 months out of the year. While playing basketball some of your best friends can come from sports, my own best friends have come from it,” stated Rachel Berger (‘27) JHS student on the JV girls' basketball team.
Having a good support system who is by your side the whole way through the ups and downs is important and could affect how we act or perform as people.
“Just being there for them and letting them know regardless of how many points they score if we win every game or lose every game it doesn't matter, I care about their wellbeing as individuals first,” stated Coach Jenkins.
Spending all this time together can earn good memories we can look back on someday to laugh at.
“Definitely the bus rides we always sing songs together at the top of our lungs at the back of the bus, these are always pretty memorable moments for me, ” stated Williams.
Sometimes a challenge is good for us, causing us to try our best, and when we succeed it means more, making us proud of what we got to accomplish.
“After winning a tournament we all went to the court and started cheering for each other,” stated Berger.
As high school students, it can be hard to balance school life and outside lives while also trying to juggle time for ourselves.
“ I feel like I have my routine down, I have to make some time for myself still by getting up crazy early in the morning to workout to start my day right, as far as the balance you do have to give yourself grace, and prioritizing your time because they are both equally important,” stated Jenkins.
Taking advice can be hard for some of us, but it can be easier when it comes from someone who knows what you're going through or what you’ve done.
“Try it out and even if you're not the best you’ll still have fun, you shouldn’t give up, if you like the sport keep playing,” stated Williams.
Bows and Brawn
By: Brooklynne Ginn
Girls give a perspective of being in sports
When some people think of sports they think of guys and football, but what those people don't realize is that girls can play sports too.
Macy Marks, Sydney Jones, and Maria Miller, who are all in grade 10, are all girls pushing the limit in school sports.
Motivation is hard to find, but Jones makes searching for it look easy.
"What keeps me motivated is my mom, she always gives me motivation and she's always been there since day one." Jones explained.
All sports have challenges, and Miller has a way of demonstrating it through the determination of tennis.
Maria Miller ('26)
"Keeping my mental focus in check, because whenever I miss a shot, it always messes me up, so I have to remind myself that the next shot is another chance," stated Miller.
When asked about how it is to be a girl in sports, Marks had something to say.
"I feel like people don't think that you can do as much as you can, and whenever you do, they get surprised," said Marks.
Tennis has a great community, and Miller showcases it with her passion
"I have a lot of friends who play tennis, and they encouraged me to try it out, and it's always been a sport that I enjoy doing," Miller says.
Cheer challenges are complicated, and Marks has the experience of them as well.
"Injuries, I've been injured several times and it's hard getting past the mental block" Marks said.
Female sports have a great impact on those involved, they can beat the pressure and go to state.
"It was really fun, it was a really exciting moment. It made me love cheer" Marks stated.
Constancy Is Key
By: Maggie Grunloh and Alexis Felts
You think about all you have done and accomplished this season all for this point in your high school season. Tell your team we're ready, and the loud gun goes off.
Cross country is a very overlooked sport but a lot goes into running that the normal person wouldn't think of. Including the time someone passes someone in a race, your racing gear, how many miles you run, and how hard a person works just to have a chance at the state meet.
Going to school every day can be hard and mentally challenging having tests back to back or even lots of homework falling on one day.
“Being consistent when running is very hard and mentally draining but after a run, I always feel better about myself,” said Grace Kurtz ‘24.
A cross-country runner is a very different type of person most of the time running is hard for them, but they run for themselves to see self-improvement, and all around make them a happier person. “Consistency is key,” is something coach Tally a Jackson cross country coach for 38 years says to all her athletes. She has led her team to over five state titles, including first place in 2016.
Many kids don't start their sport competitively until they are around 10-12 but most runners start much earlier around the age of 8 so their love and dedication for the sport is unmachable compared to other sports. “Started running in elementary school and loved it so kept going from there,” said Bryce Gentry ‘24. This ultimately shows how hard he works and strives to be the best runner he can be. Gentry is a varsity runner for the Jackson cross-country team. He holds the Jackson meet record and the Notre Dame meet record he beat both of the previous records this year. This year is Gentry’s last high school meet ever. He ran at the state meet at Gans Creek in Colombia, Missouri. He placed 12th overall in class 5 with a 15.33 5k (3.1 miles).
Cross Country is a different type of commitment that only the participants will understand. They are there for up to 3 hours a day during the season and still practice off-season to keep consistency constancy. This means their teammates are like a family and are there to lend a hand for anything needed and are understanding of each other because they are with them for their ups and downs and go through every bad hill workout and bad race together. They are there to pep talk and push each other to their limits by saying “One more rep”.
Behind the Senses of Cross Country as a Sport
The pressure builds as you line up for the district meet. This is the make-or-break point., It's a new course and new people with the same goal to make it to the state. The top 30 are in; if you do not make it, an overwhelming sense of failure and self-blame engulfs you. You've been there before and are striving never to let that happen again. It all comes back to you as you step up to the line.
Bigger and Better
JHS Girls’ Varsity Basketball Takes the Court For Another Season
By: Brooklyn Williams
Dribble. Dribble. Shoot! Jackson High School’s Girls’ Varsity basketball team takes on their season with high spirits.
Payton Gannon (‘24) and Brooke Balsman (‘25), both on the Girls' varsity basketball team, are excited about the season.
“I’m looking forward to getting an opportunity to play more my last season,” stated Gannon.
Along with Gannon, Balsman knows what she’s expecting from their '23-'24 season.
“Having a good bond with my teammates is very important to me,” said Balsman.
Expectations and focus go hand in hand, which is something understood by these players.
“I want to focus on getting better at playing post this season because I’ve never actually been a post before, so it’s going to be new and different for me,” stated Gannon.
Balsman also understands that her success depends on maintaining a good work ethic, and she’s willing to work for it.
“Working hard is something I want to improve on because even if we play easy teams, I always need and want to give 110%,” said Balsman.
The Girls’ Varsity team is always working hard to achieve their team goals, in and out of season, but many of the girls have personal goals as well.
“I want a lot of wins, but also just being there for one another even through losses.
We just have to look past it, and have the mindset to be ready for the next game,” stated Balsman.
Balsman is passionate about the game, and her teammate, Gannon, feels the same.
“I just want to improve throughout the whole season, not settle for anything, and just keep getting better,” said Gannon.
The team has various goals and expectations, but to pull it all together is their shared answer for which team they want to beat the most.
”Notre Dame, because every year we come close to beating them, even though we didn’t last year, I think we’ve got it this year,” stated Balsman.
Likewise, Gannon shares the same viewpoint with her teammate, Balsman.
“Notre Dame, because that’s always the goal,” said Gannon.
On December 1, the Lady Indians met that goal when they defeated the Lady Bulldogs by one point with a final score of 36-35.
%20-%20Ava%20Weber.jpg)
All lined up on the 10, the offensive players of Junior Varsity face off against the Festus Tigers. The Indians take home the big win at The Pit with a final score of 49-24.
Into the Endzone
Junior Varsity football looks back on this season’s wins
By: Caroline Bartels
A quick snap of the ball by the center sets up the quarterback for his next move. He can either throw to his receiver or pass it off to his running back. A split-second decision is all it takes to sway a play.
When people think of Jackson High School, most think of varsity football and Friday Night Lights at The Pit. But varsity isn’t the only team putting in the effort this year. JV is committed to success, from small beginnings to big wins.
Sophomore Nolan Bartels is one of the JV and varsity quarterbacks this season and believes that putting in the hard work will get you far, down the field in football as well as down the road in life.
“The greatest piece of advice I’ve ever received was probably from my dad and he tells me all the time to just get myself out of bed, do my best, and don’t make stupid decisions,” stated Bartels.
This season has been a good run for the Indians, with both highs and lows. Another teammate, sophomore Christian Wessel gave it his all.
“My favorite memory was just getting to hang out with my friends all season while I played a sport I like. It’s so much more fun when I get to win with my friends like Nolan,” said Wessel.
With only one loss to Francis Howell, the team takes home win after win throughout the season, ending off with a victory over the Festus Tigers. Along with advice given from parents, coaches, and other influential people, players have some advice of their own to give.
“If I were to give somebody advice who’s just wanting to start in football, I would tell them to never give up. It’s hard sometimes and you’re not going to want to go to practice or lift sometimes but you just have to do it and it’s worth it,” stated Wessel.
“Being on the team is so rewarding,” said Bartels, “what you put into it is what you get out of it.”
Fighting Indians Softball
Students unveil different aspects of softball
By: Alexis Felts
Rushing from the busses to the field after the softball team jams out to their pregame music as they start to get off the bus, they realize they a ready for the big game.
Softball is a very competitive sport but the team is like one big family. Whether they are at practice or a game they always make sure everyone is involved and make sure no one is left out.
“I came from a multi-sport athlete family so I kind of played every sport until I found my sport which is softball,” said Kimmora Carothers ‘25. Some people just join sports just because but some join because of their biggest influences. “Both of my parents played baseball and softball and so I thought it was a very involved game so I started playing since tee ball started,” said Kendall Mullally ‘26. Most people's parents influence their kid's music taste or their friends also have a big influence on people's music taste. Some people like to show their music taste during sports or through their personality. “My Walk Up Song is The Next Episode by Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre its old school but gets me going,” said Carothers. Having a role model can be one of the most influential things in your life because they can help you decide so much especially when you know them and they aren't a famous person. “I look up to my mom the most because she is my biggest supporter and a hard worker,” Mullally.
JHS Swim Team Dives to New Depths
By: Jace Glenn
the best swimmers on the team through the training of Coach Riley Talbut.
“Some of my favorite memories are the trips with the swimmers to and from meets, but my most favorite times are watching kids achieve best times and seeing their hard work pay off at the end of the season at our conference and state championship meets. I'm proud that since I've been the coach at Jackson, we have broken many school records, including ones I used to hold as an athlete,” stated Coach Talbut.
DeYong has swam every event you can swim for high school but he chooses to specialize in one main race.
“My best event is the 50 yard freestyle, the shortest and fastest event that we swim,” stated DeYong.
DeYong has spent countless hours practicing and training for his event. He perfects each minor detail to help him perform at his highest potential.
“My best time is 23.89. Being my best event it’s what I usually place the highest in when racing. I have good competition and hope to improve my time to be competitive at state this year,” stated DeYong.
He couldn't have done this all by himself. He has also had some help from his teammates and coach to push him to his limits and reach new heights.
“I want my swimmers to enjoy their time in the team, while also getting the most athletically out of the experience. Swimming requires a lot of dedication and time, so I want my swimmers to reach their full potential and benefits of the experience on the team,” stated Coach Talbut.
Coach Talbut wants the best for his swimmers so he formulates unique and challenging practices to keep his swimmers engaged while also pushing them to make them stronger and faster swimmers.
“In swimming, there are an endless amount of things we can work on... between the 4 strokes there's all kinds of techniques and drills to work on improving efficiency, but there is also the cardiovascular side where we need to improve on the ability to do hard things for longer periods,” Stated Coach Talbut.
DeYong and Coach Talbut have spent much time practicing and working towards reaching new heights and genuinely love the sport. Swim is a sport that takes motivation, dedication, and hard work but is so enjoyable and rewarding if you put in the effort.
Strength, endurance, speed, air efficiency, power, agility, but to become a great swimmer one attribute triumphs the rest. Attitude.
The Jackson High School swim team has been around since 2007 and many members have joined the team throughout the years. Tim DeYong (‘24) has been swimming a majority of his life and has risen through the ranks and has become one of
Mission Women
Female athletes have a bright future ahead of them
By: Ekko Henderson
_JPG.jpg)
Two thriving, proficient, and competitive female athletes with bright futures. Jackson Senior High School is home to many different sports such as Football, Basketball, and Soccer. But sports like women's Volleyball, Tennis, and Golf, are often overlooked.
“I think we could get more coverage by having more people come to our games,” stated varsity volleyball player Nadia Wasilewski (‘’24).
While some people play sports for the fun of it or their future, often you don't know why a player is playing until you ask them. Almost all players have different reasons they play.
“I've been playing since I was young so volleyball has become an important part of my life, stated Wasilewski.
Athletes often go through challenges and struggles that they are forced to overcome. There are many challenges that an athlete overcome in their time playing. For some, it might be motivation, mental health, and physical challenges. Layla Pobst is a striving junior golfer who has been playing golf since she was a little kid.
“What keeps me motivated is my dad; he's the one who taught me how to play golf”. Stated Pobst.
These two girls have bright futures ahead of them but they still need recognition that often isn't displayed in our newspapers or yearbooks. So their goals by being in this feature are to show that even the smaller less said sports deserve equal recognition.
“I mean the school does the best job they can while covering, people really can't come to the games as they can for football but I'd say just getting more people at the games”. Stated Pobst.
Overall these sports need more recognition to help these athletes strive. They have bright futures ahead of them and will make it in their future sports careers.
“I think we're going to be good this year that is if we go to state” Stated Wasilewski.