Good on good. That’s a term in high-school football practices when the first-string offense goes up against the first-string defense. It’s rarely done in some programs for various reasons.
When it comes to West Mesquite in 2024, in its first season under coach Stephen Jackson, it’s run all the time. Jackson said he likes it in order to build up skills among the linemen in the trenches, and to see who wins when standout linebacker Jaydon Redmon goes up against running backs Kamari Carter and Damarian Robinson. Jackson also has his eye on the near future.
“It creates more of a playoff atmosphere,” Jackson said. “Our offense may not face a better defense until the first round of the playoffs.”
Good on good has been very good to West Mesquite, especially for the defense.
West Mesquite’s defense has allowed an average of 9.3 points per game, the lowest among area Class 5A teams. It has combined with an offense that’s averaging 49.0 points a game to propel West Mesquite to a 7-0 record for the first time since 1996.
As for the playoffs, the Wranglers have already clinched their first postseason appearance since 2016. The next goal up is a district title for the first time since 2010, and the biggest challenge to that could be Thursday when West Mesquite (7-0, 5-0) hosts Carrollton Creekview (8-0, 6-0) in a District 6-5A-I battle of unbeatens at Mesquite Memorial Stadium.
West Mesquite, ranked No. 20 in The Dallas Morning News’ Class 5A area poll, comes into the game with a streak of three consecutive shutouts. Jackson and his staff have created instant success on a defense that allowed 38.5 points per game in a 3-7 campaign in 2023. West Mesquite was in a district that included regional powers such as Longview, Lancaster, Forney and McKinney North last year.
“We are more physical now,” said West Mesquite defensive back Bobby Leak, who has 38 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions this season. “The main focus is the coaches taught us was run, communicate and hit.”
Jackson and his staff have made the turnaround in a relatively short period of time. He was hired in April after compiling a 13-9 record in two seasons at Seagoville. Jackson was the offensive coordinator for Duncanville when it was the Class 6A Division I state runner-up in 2021.
Jackson hired Bobby Watkins from Lewisville to be the program’s defensive coordinator.
One major adjustment they made was moving last year’s offensive players to defense, such as Jeremiah Bio moving from receiver to defensive end and reserve quarterback Kaiden Eikelboom to safety. Bio has nine tackles for loss, including five sacks, while Eikelboom has 42 tackles (five for loss) with one interception. Watkins said he thinks Bio has had an all-state-worthy season on defense while Eikelboom has used his quarterback background to improve defensive communication.
The staff also discovered a pair of sophomores playing beyond their years: linebacker Jailon Hicks (49 tackles with 14 for loss, two forced fumbles) and cornerback Kentrell Blackshear.
Leading the way could be senior defensive back Greg Gipson Jr., who is receiving college interest from Texas State, Tulsa, Stephen F. Austin and Montana State. Gipson has 31 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions. He also plays receiver on offense, catching two touchdown receptions.
Yet while the staff discovered physical talent, the key to the turnaround may have been more mental and emotional.
“The coaches gave everybody the mindset that we could be good,” said Redmon, who has 56 tackles with 11 for loss and three forced fumbles. “They’ve brought a little bit of everything, but most of all we needed to bring the confidence.”
The results didn’t come immediately out of the gate as West Mesquite’s defense was shaky in a 37-35 win over Princeton on Aug. 29. The Wranglers gave up 431 yards of offense with Princeton quarterback Marcus Flowers throwing for 341 yards and three touchdowns. Flowers is currently third among area Class 6A players with 1,988 yards passing.
Jackson said chemistry among the coaches themselves was a reason for the shaky start.
“I only brought three coaches from Seagoville. In general, we hadn’t worked together,” Jackson said. “Good teams need to have good chemistry between players, but we they need to have chemistry between coaches too.”
The chemistry came together quickly. In the six games since the Wranglers have allowed a total of 30 points. West Mesquite’s primary defensive formation is a 4-2-5.
“A shutout is our goal every week,” Redmon said. “Coach Watkins tells us if they don’t score they don’t win at all.”
Another shutout could be a tall order against a Creekview squad that is going through a one-year turnaround as well under first-year head coach Dusty Ortiz. After entering this season with a 21-game losing streak, Creekview is 8-0 for the first time in school history (going back to 2000) and has tied the program’s single-season record for wins. Creekview is averaging 41.8 points per game.
“Creekview has a really good run-pass option game,” Leak said. “We haven’t faced anyone with that kind of a run-pass option game.”
Even if West Mesquite beats Creekview, the district title isn’t locked up as a road game against a 6-1 Carrollton Newman Smith team on Nov. 1 looms.
Redmon acknowledges the work done now and in the future has been a challenge, but the end results, not to mention the shutouts have been fun. Jackson said he is glad that the good on good work has led to good times.
“I want this team to embrace and enjoy the work,” Jackson said. “If you enjoy the work, you’re never working.”
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