Going into their fourth year of existence, James Clemens went 2-18 in their first two years while taking some bumps and bruises. Last year, the Jets improved to 7-4 and made the playoffs for the first time in school history. Even though the Jets were bounced out by Oak Mountain in the playoffs, James Clemens is closing the gap to the top teams in the state.

James Clemens have worked hard this off season and look forward to the new season. "Kids have worked real hard in the summer," said Head coach Wade Waldrop. "I like where we are at and if our kids can handle adversity like they did last season, I think we can improve. I like the talent on this team. There are some new guys that have not been tested but my biggest fear is not knowing their response on a Friday night."

The offense have plenty of skilled guys coming back this season, but have to replace five lineman from last year. That is a big concern for the Jets coaching staff. Senior quarterback Heath Burchfield leads the Jets offense the past years. "Heath is a very smart kid, never high and never low while coming to work everyday and has improved over the summer," added Waldrop. "Everything we do on offense goes through him. He has been more vocal and more of a leadership role this year." Burchfield passed for 2,421 yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

Maceo Booker had 1,520 yards and 29 TD's is going to move to the slot position to be used as a pass catcher along with running the football. Booker is coming off a knee injury that he received in the Oak Mountain playoff game. "We believe that he is more versatile," said Waldrop. "He has recovered from his injury and had a good summer." Sophomore Devon Atkinson will come in and take the tailback spot for the Jets. "Having Devon and Maceo on the field together is the best thing for our team," added Waldrop.

If the defense comes around for the Jets, James Clemens could have a special year. "I like where we are at with our defense," said Waldrop. "We return a bunch of guys." The Jets have a few kids on defense that started as a freshman and now are big contributors on the team. James Clemens might need to rely of the defense and special teams before the offense gets in full gear with the new faces on the offensive line.

LaBryan Ray looks to lead the defensive line for the Jets. "What a great preseason this kids had," said Waldrop. "I will be surprised that he doesn't have a big year." Linebacker Monty Rice leads the linebackers and was the second leading tackler on the team last season.

James Clemens leads off the season with an improved Athens team in week #1 and will face rival Bob Jones the next week. This will give the Jets a true test early in the season.