Flashback to June 22nd. The Lunkers get the ball first in overtime against the Woo and throw an interception on their first possession. Former Missouri State defensive back and current Lunkers Defensive Coordinator Jimmy Strong had a message for his team.
“I kind of put that pressure on them that if the offense makes an interception or gets a turnover then we’ve got to get the ball back for them,” Strong said.
At that point, it was the only option to prevent a loss. “I was like, ‘Get the ball. Get the ball,'” Strong said.
With Josh Evans laying the hit on the quarterback, forcing an errant pass, Jai’Len Jones grabbed the game-saving interception. “That’s what they did,” Strong said. “Made the big-time plays and got the offense the ball back, and we got it done.”
The Lunkers would go on to win the game. After playing football for a few years in Germany, Rogersville grad Brock Carter is back in town and is the team’s co-leader in interceptions.
That includes a pick-six against the Woo in week one. He credits Strong’s energetic style for the defense playing at such a high level.
“[Strong] always brings the juice,” said Carter. “He’s helped a lot of us, especially in the defensive back room. Always the positive vibes from Jimmy. ‘Coach J’, I call him.”
As a three-year starter at corner with the Bears Coach J has 10 interceptions in his career. And he stays in shape as a personal trainer. So maybe he should get out there. “I’ve asked him if he still has some eligibility,” Carter said.
“I kind of play around with them that I still got it,” Strong said. “But I just want to coach right now. But if need be I will. I will put on cleats,” Strong said with a laugh.
Strong admits though, he doesn’t think he’s allowed to do that. Hopefully, his team stays healthy and hungry enough that he doesn’t have to.
