John Raffel
Sports Scene
Jack Powers is getting around the field nicely for Carson City-Crystal’s football team.
The senior middle linebacker and right tackle has compiled 35 tackles so far this season. He had 14 tackles against Pewamo-Westphalia.
Powers gives credit to the stability in coaching at CC-C in recent years under Jason Gray.
“From what I’m doing now, it’s not a new system, so it’s easier for me to comprehend what to do,” Powers said.
Compared to last season, “I’m a lot quicker,” Powers said. “I know what I’m doing. It’s a lot easier process for me now.”
Powers likes his team’s prospects but points out that the Eagles need to have a strong finish to the game.
A recent case in point, Powers and coach Jason Gray noted, was a 35-25 loss to state power Fulton.
“We were down 28-25 with five minutes left when we fumbled on Fulton’s 1-yard line.” Gray said. “Fulton scored with one minute left to increase their lead. I was very proud of our kids’ effort and perseverance throughout the game. We rushed for over 250 years as a team.”
The 235-pound Powers also plays right offensive tackle for the Eagles.
“I’m one of the biggest guys on our line,” he said. “This summer, I lifted. Last winter, I lifted a lot.”
While he is anxious to establish himself as one of the top linemen in the Central Michigan Athletic Conference, Powers knows he still will have plenty of room left for improvement.
“I try to improve on my defense every week,” he said. “I’d like to improve on my offense and stick with the blocks.”
The Eagles continue to overcome obstacles and find ways to win.
“We have to stay focused and be motivated to win,” Powers said, noting that the team has a philosophy of “win forever, in one heartbeat.’”
Gray figures players like Powers hold the key to his team’s success.
“Jack Powers was a first-team all-conference linebacker for us,” Gray said of the 2010 season. “Beyond our seniors’ physical abilities, they bring great leadership and a ‘Win Forever’ mentality. They have provided a great influence to our underclassmen, and I am excited to see where that takes us this fall.”