Coach Jackson making noise at Barron Collier High School

NAPLES, Fla.- Mark Jackson is making noise in his first year as head football coach at Barron Collier High School.

Both figuratively, and literally.

“He’s a yeller, he’s a screamer, he’s even a jumper,” said senior lineman Jerry Beauchamp.

The 4-1 Cougars have already matched their entire win total from last season.

In WINK Sports’ Game of the Week, Barron Collier hits the road to face off with another program on the rise: Palmetto Ridge. The Bears enter 4-0, and they’ve beaten Barron Collier in the past two meetings.

But Barron Collier says this year is different. The players say the team has more life, thanks to Coach Jackson.

“A lot of energy. A lot more than there was last year,” said senior safety Brock Nichols.

“He’s always on us. He walks in our classroom just to say ‘hey’ sometimes,” said senior linebacker/running back Jamel Davis.

Coach Jackson says coaches have to lead by example, and he likes to set the tone when it comes to energy.

“Whether it’s me hollering or the music playing, I think we blew the speakers today. But whatever we do, we’re going to be loud and have fun with it,” said Jackson.

His players say the energy is definitely contagious.

“When you have someone yelling at you and chasing you around the field, your adrenaline gets pumping and you have no choice but to go fast,” said Beauchamp.

Friday night’s game will have major district implications. Naples is also in the district with Palmetto Ridge and Barron Collier and only two teams out of the district can qualify for the playoffs.