As football season is getting under way, John Essex High School hosted a Jamboree to get things kicked off on Thursday night at R. Cook Stadium.

Marengo, Linden, A.L. Johnson and John Essex all participated in the event.

Each game was 12 minutes long.

As of print time, John Essex had played against Marengo and Linden faced off against A.L. Johnson.

In the first game, the A.L. Johnson Eagles handled the Linden Patriots in a 14-0 win thanks to strong defense and good passing.

“It felt good to get the win,” Eagles head coach Mose Jones said.

“It’s really kind of expected for these guys to come out and play strong.”

According to Jones, the Eagles won due to some key aspects of the game in handling the ball.

“Our quickness is what beat them,” Jones said.

“The quickness of the team beat them on both sides of the ball.”

Patriots head coach Luther Davis is just hoping his team can turn things around from last season and have a successful year.

“Our biggest challenge this year will be to overcome obstacles and have a successful football season,” Davis said.

“Last year, we started off 3-0 and started getting an attitude that it would be an easy season, and by the 4th and 5th games, we lost.”

If Jones could describe his team in one word, it would be “disciplined.”

“We’re much more disciplined this year compared to last season,” Jones said.

“There are also a lot more leaders on this year’s squad than in the past.”

In the second game, the John Essex Hornets played host to the Marengo Panthers and battled out 12 minutes to a 0-0 tie.

The key factor in the game was defense, as the Hornets held the Panthers in the red-zone and prevented them from getting a first down on a critical fourth and short attempt.

All four teams looked to be physical and prepared as the season begins in one week.

Next Friday, Marengo will be playing John Essex at R. Cook Stadium.

A.L. Johnson faces 2A Keith on the road.

Meanwhile, Linden has an open date and will begin the season against regional foe Sunshine on the road on September 2nd.

Overall, the A.L. Johnson Eagles looked to have the best-prepared team with strong leadership on both sides of the ball.

And there’s only one more week until the regular season begins.