Instead of lagging behind, Brad Jackson wants Jemison football to be the sort of program others emulate and envy.

So, Jackson has taken the lead in organizing a “quarterback club,” which would raise money for facilities, coaches’ compensation and equipment.

“The goal is for other teams to leave here on a Friday night and see Jemison as a benchmark, to be a standard,” Jackson said. “It’s going to be an organization that is going to move Jemison football forward.”

Jackson said a meeting in August was to ensure some of the crucial components of the plan—including JHS principal Alan Thompson and head coach Brad Abbott—were behind the idea and on the same page about what purpose the club would serve.

Jackson and Abbott said they hope the club will be formed by the spring.

An initial strategy will be getting former players involved. Jackson was a Jemison football player until 1995, and Abbott said an effort will be made to contact every former Jemison football player.

“We’re trying to get them back into the program,” Abbott said. “We want there to be more of a family atmosphere.

Players representing three decades of Jemison football were present at the meeting, Jackson said.

Another meeting will be held between the end of football season and Jan. 1, 2010. Those interested in the group should call Jackson at 688-7746 or e-mail him at bradleyjackson@centurytel.net.

Football booster clubs are common at most larger schools and some smaller schools. Jackson said he thinks such an organization is necessary to compete at a championship level of play.

More funds for football would allow for players to have top of the line resources and for sought-after assistant coaches to be hired and retained, Jackson said.