The Jefferson football program has a simple formula for success.
Character plus consistent athletic talent equals victory on the field.
“We try to build our program off character,” fourth-year head coach Matt Atley said. “If someone doesn’t meet that standard, we have no problem going our separate ways. We try to teach them how to handle a variety of situations.”
The Blue Jays, Atley added, are “in a good spot,” with no losing seasons since 2019 and a state semifinal appearance (Class 2) not that long ago, in 2020. “We always have good athletes coming through the program. Last year we had more skill kids than linemen and this year it’s more of a balance.
“Year to year, the biggest thing we’re concerned about is how the kids are going to react to each other. Last year we were fortunate to have a senior class where a lot of our expectations went through them.”
With a robust passing attack in 2023 behind senior quarterback Kole Williams, and a deep receiving corps, the Blue Jays averaged 37 points per game when they soared to a 7-0 start. Williams was named second team all-conference, throwing for 1,887 yards and 25 touchdowns. Another 2024 graduate, Nate Breeze (first team all-conference), was Williams’ favorite target with 28 receptions for 472 yards and seven TDs.
Road defeats at Ste. Genevieve and St. Vincent put the brakes on the undefeated season, but the Blue Jays rebounded, beating St. Pius X in the Class 2 District 2 semifinals. A 22-15 loss to Lift for Life in the district final ended Jefferson’s season at 8-3. It was Atley’s best record in his three seasons.
Atley said the team will have a strong offensive line and a new playmaker at quarterback, while returning several of their top receivers.
Rushing, receiving, throwing – junior Cooper Frisk did all three last season. He completed both passes he threw, one for a touchdown against Herculaneum. He accounted for 561 total yards and will be the starting QB.
“He’s different than Kole,” Atley said. “Kole wasn’t necessarily a pocket QB, but we let him be an athlete and Cooper can run more effectively and is throwing a good ball. We’ve had a lot of conversations on the importance of being a leader because it can be very difficult.”
Runner-receiver Karson Haefner was establishing himself last season when he broke his foot in Week 2 and didn’t return until the district game against St. Pius. Haefner is fully recovered and joins another deep receiving unit that includes senior Jacob Brunts and junior Tyler Crader, both of whom saw action in reserve roles last year.
“From a skill standpoint, we have kids who have significant experience; the offense hasn’t run through them,” Atley said.
Williams was the Blue Jays’ leading rusher last year with 412 yards and 2024 graduate Max Schnitzler was second with 267.
Bruntz, Haefner and Crader all could bounce between the backfield and the flanks. Practice began Monday, so Atley has the whole training camp to sort out the skill spots.
“Karson led us in all-purpose yards when he got hurt,” Atley said. “He can play in the slot and Tyler and Jacob are mainly behind the QB. (Junior) Landon Weiss got a lot of reps (at running back) this summer. He was crucial for us on the defensive side last year at outside linebacker.”
Junior Aidan Dowd (left tackle) and seniors Jake Watkins (center) and Wyatt Place (right guard) played on both sides of the line last season and will do so again. Juniors Aiden Allen (left guard) and Troy Jefferson (right tackle) are working for starting spots on the O-line and got reps on the defensive line last year.
“(Jefferson) is playing very well at right tackle,” Atley said. “We have two or three guys we feel we can roll in and out and get the job done. The size is better this year. We have to make sure we’re physical, moving people, and (then) we can do some damage.”
The Blue Jays hauled in 14 interceptions last season but graduation stripped out most of the ballhawks. Haefner will take the lead in the secondary at safety. The cornerbacks will emerge out of a rotation of juniors Noah Buehler, Logan Vandeven and Gavin Green and senior Nathan Edington.
“Usually our success in the back stems from our safety,” Atley said. “Nate (Breeze) is a hard one to replace. We have four kids who can play cornerback effectively. They’re all about one or two things away from being a solid corner in our defense.”
Atley called Watkins and Crader the defense’s “box leaders.” Junior Peyton Kelly and senior Alex Roth return at defensive end. Allen (second team all-conference) and Jefferson will clog up the middle. Haefner can lend good run support.
“(Haefner) is quick and able to get downhill in the run game,” Atley said. “He’s patient enough to trust his keys and see what’s coming.”
Frisk will handle the kicking and punting duties early on, with freshman Dakota French poised to take over at kicker while he also plays club soccer.
Jefferson begins the season at Priory Aug. 31 in a Saturday afternoon contest. The Blue Jays will stay on the road for the next two games, at Park Hills Central (the defending Class 3 state champions) and Herculaneum in the Quad County Conference opener for both schools. Jefferson’s first home game is Sept. 20 against new conference member Cuba.
“Across the board, we have a tough schedule and we’ll have to be at our best to be successful,” Atley said. “I think Priory returned all their skill kids. (PHC) lost a lot but they’re always a darn good program. Perryville (Week 6) was sophomore- and junior-heavy last year, so they’ll be a tough task. St. Vincent (Week 9) lost the (league) player of the year (Christian Schaaf) but I feel they’re super-talented.”
“Ste. Gen (Week 8), that’s been a tough game for us the last two years and we’d like to get over that hump.”