The562’s coverage of Jordan Athletics is sponsored by former LBUSD superintendent Chris Steinhauser.
The final Moore League team makes its season debut this evening as Jordan hosts Crenshaw at 7pm. It’ll also be the Panthers’ brand-new stadium opener and the first game under new head coach Alfred Rowe.
“We’ve been preparing so long that we’re just under the mindset of going out there and getting the butterflies out for the first game,” Rowe said. “The whole field thing has come and gone for us. For the fans, it’s new, but we’ve already done it and we’re just excited to get out there and play.”
Rowe says he scheduled teams of similar skill level for his non-league slate, which starts with Crenshaw. If MaxPreps rankings are any indication of how close the opener might be, the edge would lean towards Jordan. Heading into its first game, MaxPreps has Jordan ranked No. 368 in the state, while Crenshaw sits at 622 coming off a win to open its season last week.
The Cougars defeated Fairfax 37-6 in that dominant victory, but Rowe said Crenshaw did not make its game film available. Jordan will have new sideline technology including screens displaying game footage in real time, and Rowe plans to adjust his game plan as needed.
“We got some film from last year and we’re just coming in prepared,” Rowe said. “We’re prepared to cover every formation they give us. We’re ready to go. We’re going to play faster than the other team, out-tempo them, and we’re just going to play harder than them.”
For Jordan, there’ll be a mix of old and new faces to look out for. Sama’jay Jackson will be an intriguing player to watch, a 6-foot-5 all-Moore League basketball player turned quarterback. Rowe expects Jackson to be important in the running game alongside running back Chris Falcon.
While both the offensive and defensive lines should have designated starters, Jordan will have a handful of two-way athletes at receiver and in the secondary. Seniors Kymani Hill and Marcus Williams will be two guys to look out for on either end.
“In order for us to be the first State champion in the city we have to go 1-0 each week, and this week Crenshaw is in our way,” Rowe said.
