Slinger High School’s football team has been ranked number one in the Milwaukee-area preseason top 10, following their undefeated 14-0 record last season and victory over Rice Lake in the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Division 2 state championship game.
Despite losing key players such as quarterback and punter Michael Thiede, running back Santos Rodriguez, and several others from last year’s title-winning squad, Slinger retains important contributors. Among those returning are quarterback Jeffrey Ford and running back Kobe Hendricks. Head Coach Bill Jacklin emphasized the team’s camaraderie and accountability, noting these as strengths that continue with the new group of athletes.
Jacklin, who was named NFL’s Don Shula coach of the year from the NFC last season, reflected on transitioning to a new roster after achieving Slinger’s first state football title in 26 years. “It’s still hard to believe, but I’m glad football has started again,” Jacklin said. “Now we’re focused on this and we’re able to turn the page. It was pretty awesome. We had a lot of really great seniors and I think what really made a difference with them is it was fun to have a practice and how they’re chirping at each other, but they’re still holding each other accountable. It’s in a fun way. I think I’m starting to feel that now. It’s hard with a new group, but I’m starting to feel those things again.”
Jacklin also spoke about Ford stepping into the starting quarterback position: “Jeffrey Ford’s going to be our starter,” he said. “I think the best thing I said (to him) was after he struggled at 7-on-7s this summer, I pulled him aside and said, ‘I’m not asking you to be Michael Thiede. I want you to be the best Jeffrey Ford you can be. You need to work on being that.’ It’s made a huge difference. The arrow has gone straight up from there. The last 7-on-7 we had and out here in camp, he’s been throwing darts.”
A tradition among offensive linemen—sitting together near where trophies are kept—was noted by Jacklin as another example of team unity: “That was all them (…) They all sit in those first two rows for everything. It speaks to the camaraderie that group has on and off the field and this team has. It’s become a tradition in a way for those guys. We had a really tight-knit group with our seniors last year, but as a whole these guys look out for each other.”
Looking ahead at potential challenges for this season, Jacklin identified defense as an area needing growth: “The biggest growth we need is in our defense and our defensive line (…) I would say that’s the one big thing we’re looking for.” Last year six of Slinger’s wins were decided by just one possession; replicating clutch performances will be critical.
Reflecting on recent recognition received as coach of the year across different organizations—including North Shore Conference awards—the NFL honor named after Don Shula, and local accolades—Jacklin remarked: “(It was) very humbling. Humbling. And a little hard because I’m getting all these awards and I know, like, for football, it’s not like basketball. It’s really a team sport, so for my coaching staff … I could not be here if it’s not for these coaches. I’m lucky that I’m surrounded by great people. That’s the part that’s so humbling.”
The team will begin its new campaign aiming to build on last season’s accomplishments while developing new leadership within its ranks.
