Loss Reveals Another Weapon for Cobras
Darryl Hammill
Tuesday June 26, 2001
In the midst of the "doom and gloom," the loss revealed a new positive. Kevin Jackson`s (WR/LB) outstanding play was a high point in an otherwise successive string of low points on June 22nd. Jackson`s highlight of the evening came on his catch and run for a Touchdown during the 3rd quarter - tying a Cobra`s record of 45 yards. He eluded would be tacklers - and did an excellent job of using his downfield blocking.
When asked about Jackson`s night, Coach Kay said "Kevin`s been playing well for us; he has meant an awful lot to the team. Kevin`s a capable receiver to go to if something`s happening to the other two". Jackson caught 9 balls for 107 years and one touchdown - including tying the team`s record of a 45-yard catch and run for a touchdown.
Later, I caught up with Fred McNair - who said of Jackson, "He stepped up tonight... he was ready to catch and run. They [Houston] jammed the motion man and stopped him from catching the ball. So I had to come off of him and go to the other people [like Jackson]".
I also talked with Jackson before he left the ESA. When I asked him if it was part of the game plan to have more balls come his way (figuring that Houston might be focusing on White and Bailey) he affirmed my suspicions.
"Yeah - we talked about that earlier in the week, and Coach [Kay] let us know how to be prepared just in case they fell off. I had an opportunity to make a few plays. I did not make enough though. It doesn`t mean anything playing well. It`s all about the win in this league."
When asked about his play with Fred McNair that evening he said “We played together in Florida and hooked up a lot there, it was just a matter of wait my turn I guess. Like I said, Aaron (Bailey) had a good game last week (vs. Buffalo) and they tried to take him out so it gave me a chance to make some plays.”
Now Toronto has four passing threats to worry about - White, Bailey, Demary, and Jackson. There has to be a limit to the number of potential threats the Cobras can field - but it does not seem they have reached that point just yet.
Darryl Hammill was a writer for ArenaFan Online during the 2001 season.
