Football

Head coach Nick Cotner leads Red Devils into new season

JHS will face off with Lawrence Central tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

New JHS football coach Nick Cotner came into the position in mid-July, five months later than every head coach in the area after former head coach Doug Preston resigned. However, he still feels ready for this season.

New football coach Nick Cotner. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“We haven’t felt rushed since most of these guys have run spread before; they know the formations. It’s all just a different name. I feel like we’re ready,” said Cotner, who previously coached at Scottsburg.

Cotner knows that coming in so late means he still needs to find a connection with his players to lead to success.

“Players don’t care what you know until they know you care. So I make sure everybody knows I’m here to stay and I want what’s best for them,” he said.

Players said they feel how much Cotner cares and wants success for the Red Devils.

“He really wants to win here and not quit on Jeff. He really wants to build a program here where we can win every year,” said sophomore linebacker General McLain.

The players can also feel the trust their new coach has in them.

“Cotner really helps me to be the best player, he believes in me even though I’m undersized for my position,” said junior center Jacob Fifer.

Junior Darien “DD” Williams rushes with the ball while facing Madison in Friday’s scrimmage. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

Cotner wants to be a mainstay at JHS and the local community.

“I’m here to stay. I want to build a real program here. I’ve been to a couple of the middle school practices so they can know who I am. I’ve lived here since 2020, so I really feel like part of a community,” he said.

Even with most doubting the team with Cotner at the helm, the players still have confidence.

“He’s (Cotner) just such a great guy. He really keeps us in check, and I even think with him we could go 9-0 this year,” said junior tight end and defensive end Tristan Newby.

Even in his short tenure as head coach, Cotner has already gained respect from his team.

“He’s really stepped in like a good leader. Everyone has to earn reps, and he often says that small things lead to big things. I think that really helps us stay focused, especially at practice,” said freshman lineman Collin Kenedy.

Cotner still tries to relate to his players to understand what they are going through and how to get them to perform better.

“I think I’m a detail-oriented coach; we hold our players to standards. I think being a young coach – I’m only 36 – they can still see that I’ve played the game, and I feel like they know I care,” said Cotner.

The players don’t have blind confidence in their coach, but also because they’ve seen his success.

“Scottsburg has won sectionals, which we haven’t done. And he’s bringing a winning mentality. Along with giving everyone goals,” said McLain.

Even with all the expectations surrounding the team, Cotner still takes time to reflect on his success.

“Ever since I was 16, I’ve dreamed of being a head coach. So this is truly a dream come true, even if it’s an unconventional way of getting the job, I’m grateful,” said Cotner.

The Red Devils play at Lawrence Central tonight.

21 Aug 202621 Aug 2026 by jhshyphen

Red Devils begin football season with scrimmage against Madison last Friday

All photos by Parker McCloskey.

Senior Jomall Owens and junior Kegan Cabbell huddle up right before the scrimmage against Madison on Friday. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

17 Aug 2026 by jhshyphen

Hoosier fans anxiously await Monday’s national championship football game

by Brennan Zoeller and Jilliann Denbo

From taking down No. 9 Alabama 38-3, to then embarrassing No. 5 Oregon 56-22, the undefeated 15-0 Hoosiers don’t seem to be slowing down as they head into Monday’s national championship game against Miami (13-2).

On Monday, Indiana hopes to win it all in Miami. Since 1899, the Hoosiers have never won a football national championship and have been among the programs with the most football losses.

Hoosier fans hope that changes Monday night.

“I think they’ve worked harder than anyone else and deserve it. They’re professional when it counts and don’t show mercy, which is why they’re so good,” said sophomore John Steele.

Some are sure Indiana will beat Miami, but others are still nervous only because they are used to losing.

“Miami is obviously a great team, but I think we may be even better. I am still nervous but I think some of those nerves stem from so many years of watching IU football lose. I’ve been conditioned to expect us to lose and I am still trying to remind myself that we have a real possibility to win the national championship,” said Northaven Academic improvement coordinator Kelly Allen, an IU fan.

This national championship game is bringing many long-time fans together to watch their all time favorite team.

“Family had a lot to do with me being an IU fan. But in 1987 I was 15 years old watching Keith Smart hit a last second shot to win the basketball national championship against Syracuse. If you have to pick a moment, that’s when I knew I was a Hoosier,” said IU fan Robert Denbo.

Fans have always been giving a lot to the IU community, doing anything they can to show true support.

“I show my support for my team by sharing stuff on social media and wearing my IU gear. I give to the Alumni Association as well. IU has the largest Alumni Association in the entire nation and it has the most people raising lots of money by going to games and by watching games on TV,” said Northaven principal and Hoosier fan Laura Morris.

While some fans have been cheering from home on their TVs , others have actually been going to the games.

“Seeing the joy on IU fans’ (of all ages) faces as they attend these games has been so exciting. It has been a thrilling time for fans,” Allen said from experience after being to many games.

When Allen says “of all ages,” she means it. Students all the way to teachers and parents have been ecstatic and call it a “miracle.”

“It’s crazy. I went from not even thinking about Indiana when it came to football as a fan, to now about to win a national championship. It’s a miracle,” said sophomore Liam Wooden.

The Hoosiers football team has brought hope to many, and this hope is shown and expressed in different ways, reaching all audiences.

“The way the team works together to accomplish this year’s wins has given me so much hope. Our Heisman (winner Fernando) Mendoza has also been performing better than amazing. Since 1975 I’ve been an IU fan and they’ve never come this far,” said JHS graduate and IU fan Kathleen Brennan.

With the national championship on Monday, Indiana fans are pumped up more than ever, with very high expectations.

“I think Indiana has a pretty good chance of beating Miami in the national championship because the Hoosiers have proven to be a powerhouse with trust in each other throughout the season,” stated Josie Zoeller, 2024 JHS graduate.

No. 1 Indiana (15-0) will play No. 10 Miami (13-2) in the 2026 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026:

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
TV/Radio: Broadcast on ESPN. Radio coverage is available through the IU Alumni Association, featuring Don Fischer’s call synced to the telecast.

16 Jan 202616 Jan 2026 by jhshyphen

‘Leader by example’

Junior Abi Lemon gives her all in four different sports

by Aubrey Cummings

Four different sports each school year seems impossible. How exactly does one do it?

Junior Abi Lemon does just that and has every year since she started high school. She participates in football, soccer, wrestling, and tennis.

Junior Abi Lemon shows determination during a wrestling meet. In addition to her leadership on the wrestling mat. Lemon also plays football, soccer, and tennis. Submitted photo.

“They are all so different but also help each other in their own way,” she explained.

She doesn’t just participate in these sports, though. She leads in them. She is the person coaches look to for an example. She is also the person her teammates look to when they need help.

Wrestling coach Danny Struck described Lemon as a leader on and off the mat.

“She leads by example. She’s involved in so many things. It’s what leaders do — they get involved. But she doesn’t just participate, she gives them her all.”

Lemon is constantly doing whatever she can to get better in each sport she participates in.

“I am constantly training, whether it’s for one sport or multiple. During soccer I’m also training for football, and when those are over, wrestling begins. And when in tennis I also train with the track team on occasion,” she said.

Her family plays a big role in why she plays the sports she plays.

“My mom is a really big soccer fan, so getting into it was for her, but I also found a love for it myself,” Lemon explained. “And my family is always playing tennis together.”

Lemon isn’t just an athlete, though — she is also a student, an employee and a friend. She is constantly having to find a way to balance all of this, which isn’t always easy.

“I am basically always busy, which means doing school work on the way to meets or games or even the period before it’s due,” Lemon said with a laugh.

Throughout the time Lemon has participated in these sports she has made friendships that she never would have had she not been a part of the team.

“Until I joined to football team, I never would’ve never even considered being friends with the guys, but when I joined I met them and now they are some of my closest friends.”

Lemon is a role model for those who want to try something new and for those who are already in the sports they love. She shows people how to push through challenges and she teaches people what it means to be a leader.

Junior Abi Lemon wrestles her opponent; wrestling is one of four sports Lemon participates in at JHS. Submitted photo.

17 Dec 2025 by jhshyphen

JHS defeats Jennings County 35-21

Friday’s win brings Red Devils to 4-5, 3-3 in Hoosier Hills Conference play

All photos by Malachi Conrad and Parker McCloskey.

The Red Devil student section poses, modeling the Pink Out clothes for Friday’s theme. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

21 Oct 202521 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Columbus East defeats Red Devils 28-9; JHS plays Jennings County this Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad.

Senior Maxwell Schoonover looks off in the distance while the national anthem plays at the beginning of the JHS game with Columbus East on Friday. Columbus East won 28-9. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

13 Oct 202513 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

JHS prepares to face off with New Albany tonight

by Austin Bainbridge

Both Jeff and New Albany come into tonight’s game looking to get their seasons on track.

New Albany is in the search for their first win, and Jeff has lost two straight in brutal fashion. However, a win could set their campaigns straight.

“We have to win these next three; if we do that we’ll be 5-4 and going into the playoffs, that would be a success for this young team,” said head coach Joe Washington.

This is a big rivalry for both communities, and the players are ready to perform.

Sophomore Austin Bainbridge and sophomore Jaxx Long do a pre-game handshake during the Homecoming game against Bloomington North. Photo by Malachi Conrad.

“We can beat them for sure; I mean, their 0-6. We are a way better team than them,” said sophomore fullback Jaxx Long.

Jeff comes into tonight’s match-up 2-4, trying to get back on the path to prepare for a playoff push.

“I think we have a couple games down the stretch that we’re favored in, and we can win. Columbus East will be a tough matchup, but if we do what we’re supposed to we can win that game as well,” said Washington.

The coaches believe that the team can succeed, but it’s on the players if they want to win.

“It’s only the little things that we aren’t doing right. If the players come together and see the bigger picture and dig a little deeper, then I think the next three games can go in our favor,” said Washington.

Even though the Bulldogs come into the game winless this season, Jeff players know this isn’t a free win.

“We have to play determined and as a team. Even though they’re 0-6, a win is never free. If we all stick together I know we can walk out of there with a win,” said junior linemen Liam Jackson.

The team only has a handful of seniors starting on the roster, so there is some experience left to be desired.

Sophomore Andre Walker during the JHS-Bloomington North game last Friday. Photo by Isaiah Stewart.

“We have a very young roster, and this is the first adversity they have seen. When we went 6-4 last year a lot of these guys didn’t play. I think they just need some ‘want-to’ so we can go out and win,” said Washington

Everybody on the team has been preparing for this game for a long time, and they’re ready to settle the rivalry for this year.

“The mentality for us is a no-brainer at this point. We know they don’t like us and we don’t like them, so there’s some bad blood, so we have to ride the wave and step up to the plate,” said Washington.

3 Oct 20253 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

JHS celebrates homecoming this past Friday

All photos by Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey, Sophia Goforth, and Isaiah Stewart.

The girls’ court and queen candidates posing. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

2 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Bloomington North defeats JHS last Friday 36-3

All photos by Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey, Sophia Goforth, and Isaiah Stewart.

Senior Tre Martin running with the flag to start the game. Martin was crowned Homecoming king later in the evening. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

2 Oct 20252 Oct 2025 by jhshyphen

Homecoming game against Bloomington North tonight at 7 p.m.; royalty crowned at halftime

26 Sep 2025 by jhshyphen

Floyd Central beats Jeff 34-12 on Friday; Red Devils prepare for Bloomington North and Homecoming this Friday, Sept. 26

All photos by Magdalene Conrad, Malachi Conrad, Parker McCloskey.

Seniors Tre Martin and Bryce Grant hold a special photo of Noah Maddox, presented as a gift to Floyd Central prior to the game. Photo by Parker McCloskey.

22 Sep 202522 Sep 2025 by jhshyphen

Red Devils face Floyd Central tonight on Senior Night

by Austin Bainbridge

It’s a rivalry week for Jeff football, matching up against a Floyd Central team that has had great success against them in the past, and Jeff is trying to turn the corner on tonight’s game.

Junior Benji Rice poses for the camera after a touchdown against the Seymour Owls. The Red Devils play Floyd Central tonight. Photo by Magdalene Conrad.

“It’s a mental thing for the players, when a team just beats you down year after year you just expect it to keep happening, so I’m hoping we can get this done,” said head coach Joe Washington.

The coaches know this game starts with them, and they want to show the players a way to win.

“This game starts with me. If I’m fiery and excited about the game, I think the players are going to feed off my energy. So I hope me showing how much I care will make the players really want to dominate Floyd,” Washington said.

Even though Jeff hasn’t beat Floyd in 11 years, the players remain confident in their skills.

“I think they’re scared of coming here and losing. When you’re scared of doing something, you come up with excuses to get out of it,” said fullback Jaxx Long.

The Jeffersonville defense made several stands against Kokomo last week, along with a dramatically improved performance at Bedford-North Lawrence.

“Our linebacker play was really good against Kokomo. Malachi Monts had 13 tackles, and KT (senior Kurion Thompson) had nine and an interception. I think that’s what helped with the win,” said Washington

The defense is going to have to step up to stop Floyd’s potent rushing attack, which went for 425 yards last game.

“They played Silver. I mean, it’s not too hard to rush for 400 against Silver Creek. We put in a new defense, we’re going a five-man front this week to try to slow down their running game,” said Washington.

It’s Senior Night tonight, and that is just more motivation for the players.

“I want to play hard and win to give these seniors a good memory before they go off to college,” said Long.

The coaching staff sees where a win could take Jeff, and they want to make it there

“A win against Floyd would start a fire and start this program down a path we want to go,” said Washington

19 Sep 202519 Sep 2025 by jhshyphen