LJ FB: Jackson in the driver's seat

Sophomore QB Jackson Stratton during drills
on day one of Fall football practice
Tues., July 30.
(Photo by Ed Piper)

By Ed Piper

With 24 days until the season opener, La Jolla head coach Tyler Roach's starting quarterback is sophomore Jackson Stratton.

"In spring and summer football, Jackson played with the 1's (on offense)," said Roach when asked during practice Tuesday afternoon, July 30. "He was our 1. (Junior) Diego Solis was 1b. Diego is rotating in playing quarterback, but he is also playing other positions (as a defensive back).

"On Day 1 (of Fall football), Jackson is our starting quarterback."

This is quite a switch from prospects last spring, when Solis stood as a returning starter at the position. Stratton, who played quarterback for the freshman team last year, still appeared to be in development.

Kevin Hurt, the Vikings' new kicking coach who played at Ole Miss, commented at practice, "Jackson has looked really good."

There was a point during seven-on-seven tournaments in the summer when Solis, who had been a shooting star in both football and basketball, his two sports, ever since stepping on the basketball court before his freshman year two years, began throwing interceptions.

It happened in the Hilltop tournament. Then, it began again in the big Southwestern passing tournament, with the normally calm, confident Diego shaking his head at his own miscues.

Meanwhile, Stratton took over quarterback duties full-time during that first day of the two-day Southwestern tourney. La Jolla ascended to the championship game the following day before falling in the finale. It was heady territory for the Vikes, and their offense had played a role.

Everyone who knows Solis, though, knows his total team commitment. It's evident in summer basketball, which just concluded a couple of weeks ago. It's evident on the football field at Edwards Stadium. Diego loves sports, and he fits into the team ethos. He will contribute, whether he plays some at quarterback or not.

In practice Tuesday, as temperatures remained cool after last week's heat wave, he was busy working with the other defensive backs during drills. He will live to play another productive season. Roach knows that.