By Bobby Mathews, sports editor
LEEDS — Jackson Bartee is hard to miss. Pick a reason: The long, flowing hair, the beard, the wide muscular frame that makes him look shorter than his listed 5-11 height. Or maybe it’s his propensity to put defensive linemen on the ground.
The senior center anchors a Leeds High School offensive line that’s led the Green Wave to a No. 4 ranking in Class 5A, and his leadership to the team has been invaluable, according to head coach Jerry Hood.
“Jackson has started for me for three years,” Hood said. “He’s an outstanding football player. Super strong kid, one of the strongest kids on the team. But more than that, he makes all of our calls for the offensive line. He identifies the Mike linebacker each play, calls the protection each play, checks us in to good run and pass schemes. He really is an outstanding player.”
Leeds is currently 5-0 on the season. Heading into the second half of the 2021 campaign, Bartee’s contributions to the Green Wave will be even more important. A road matchup with fifth-ranked and perennial powerhouse Alexandria looms to end the regular season on October 22.
Bartee knows that he carries a lot of responsibility for the offensive line.
“It can get a little chaotic, but you’ve got to keep it as calm as possible, keep your head on right and make sure everybody knows what they’re supposed to do,” Bartee said.
While Bartee and the offensive line have given quarterback Jarod Latta time to throw this season, the senior said that if it was up to him, he likes to run over opposing defenses.
“I think I’d rather pancake someone on a run play,” Bartee said. “Especially on goal line.”
Offensive line isn’t a glamour position. It’s trench work, where the heavy lifting is done. Bartee knows that the job is often thankless and is accomplished without a lot of notice from the general public.
“Unless we mess up,” he said. “Then everybody looks at us.”
Bartee, who carries a 3.5 grade average in the classroom, is also getting noticed by recruiters at the next level.
“We put him forward to some schools,” Hood said. “He’s gotten some interest, and I think as the season goes on he’ll get more and more.”
Bartee, and players like him, have a spot close to Hood’s heart. When the coach talks about the senior’s work ethic and commitment, it’s easy to hear the pride and respect in his voice.
“He’s a wonderful person,” Hood said, ” a tough, hard-nosed guy and just a solid citizen. He’s the kind of guy we like to promote at Leeds.”
Leeds travels to West Morgan this Friday night, September 24, 2021.