Losing is never fun. However,  just because a team does not emerge victorious does not mean there are not positives that can’t be taken from a defeat.

That is the mentality of West Lincoln football head coach Charlie Jackson after his team was defeated by the 4A Sumrall Bobcats 45-20 at home Friday night.

After the second game of the season, a 45-8 loss to the Sacred Heart Crusaders, Coach Jackson said he was at a loss for words in the locker room.

He said he felt his team needed to develop more mental grit and learn to be more aggressive on the football field. Jackson added that he had the utmost belief in his team and that he would not be conceding any games. He said he would continue to coach his team the best way possible.

This week, after another loss, the narrative is slightly different.

Jackson said his team showed a much better effort against a solid 4A team and that he was excited by what he saw.

“This may have been the best regular season game we have played this year apart from the spring game,” the head coach said.

Primetime 23 wide receiver Chase Owen was responsible for two of the Bears’ three touchdowns, as the junior finally had the game many had been waiting for him to have against the Bobcats.
The team’s other touchdown was on a reception by Brandon Smith.

“I think our kids are starting to settle in and figure it out,” he said. “They are starting to understand what I need from them on game night. If they figure out how good they have the potential to be, then you will see a different team out there Friday nights.”

The Bears’ head coach said he tried to switch things up in the game by inserting players into new positions. One of the biggest developments was Joe Adams’, an offensive lineman  and  transfer from Louisiana,  move to center.

Despite never playing a  snap at the position, Jackson said he was impressed with Adams’ showing.

“We still had a few snap issues, but he is new to the position and he gives us a great option blocking. His play is also helping our guards,” Jackson said.

With Adams at the helm of the offensive line, Jackson said the stagnancy that once plagued his offensive unit at times was not nearly as prevalent in the loss.

“ I think we moved the ball a lot better and we had a few big runs,” he said.  “When you can do that it opens the door for other things.”

The team’s health has been an issue early on also, but a few players that had been sidelined with injury returned to play against the Bobcats.

Running back Julian Anderson returned to the field in the second half for the Bears. Also, Matthew Case, who was tabbed as the Bears’ starting quarterback to open the season, returned to the field at the safety position as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

The Bears’ tackling improved as well, Jackson said, apart from a few horse-collar tackles.

Indeed a lot of positive things can be taken from the effort the Bears put forth, but Jackson knows there is still much to be done.

“They are picking up well on what we are trying to do,” he said. “Win, lose or draw, we are going to get better. If we can keep everything gelled and stay healthy, there is no telling what we can do.”

The Bears are scheduled to hit the road this week to face the Bogue Chitto Bobcats in a battle of county schools. The game is slated to kickoff at 7 p.m.