PERFECT SEASON

- JENA JR. HIGH GIANTS -

PERFECT SEASON Junior High Giants finished 7-0 with talented roster

The Jena Jr. High Giants put together a season to remember, finishing the 2026 football campaign with a perfect 7-0 record and establishing themselves as one of the area’s top junior high programs.

Under head coach Austin Whatley, the Giants dominated on both sides of the football, averaging 31.7 points per game offensively while allowing just 10 points per game on defense.

The undefeated season featured several impressive victories, including big wins over Pineville and road victories at Tioga and Vidalia. Week after week, the Giants demonstrated their ability to run the football, make explosive plays and play physical defense.

For Whatley, the perfect season marked another milestone in his coaching career. It was his 14th season leading the Jena Jr. High program and the fifth time his team has finished a season undefeated.

Whatley has compiled a career record of 69 wins, 17 losses and two ties, continuing a successful run at the helm of the Giants.

Jena’s offensive identity was built around a powerful rushing attack that consistently put pressure on opposing defenses.

As a team, the Giants rushed for 1,501 yards on the season, averaging an impressive 8.2 yards per carry and 214.4 rushing yards per game.

Seventh grader Darren Brown III led the way, carrying the ball 72 times for 656 rushing yards and seven total touchdowns. Brown’s production made him the team’s leading rusher and a key contributor to Jena’s undefeated campaign.

Chase Jones also delivered a strong season, recording 40 carries for 285 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

Caden Taylor added another productive option in the backfield, finishing with 39 carries for 270 yards and five rushing touchdowns.

The trio’s combined production helped establish a ground game that consistently moved the chains and created scoring opportunities throughout the season.

Russell Directs a Productive Passing Attack

Although the rushing attack was a major part of Jena’s success, the Giants also showed the ability to make big plays through the air.

Quarterback Brycen Russell completed 50 percent of his passes for 488 yards and 11 touchdowns without throwing an interception.

Russell’s ability to protect the football while producing touchdowns through the passing game gave the Giants another weapon on offense.

Wide receiver Chance Dangerfield was one of Russell’s top targets, finishing the season with 10 receptions for 208 yards and seven total touchdowns.

Adryan Sharp led the team in receiving yards, recording eight receptions for 237 yards and three receiving touchdowns.

Gavin Norris also made the most of his opportunities, finishing with two receptions for 26 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

The combination of Russell’s efficiency and the Giants’ ability to produce explosive plays through the air made Jena’s offense difficult to defend.

Defense Sets the Tone

The Giants’ success was not limited to the offensive side of the football.

Jena’s defense allowed just 10 points per game, helping the team maintain control in each of its seven victories.

Fynn Falgoust led the Giants with 39 tackles, anchoring a defense that consistently made plays and limited opposing offenses.

Gentry Andrews finished with 32 tackles, while Jones contributed on both sides of the ball with 24 tackles in addition to his production at running back.

Tucker Hardie recorded 23 tackles, and Ky Allen added 17 tackles.

The defensive effort was a major factor in the Giants’ undefeated run. By limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities and creating opportunities for the offense, Jena established a balanced team capable of winning games in multiple ways.

The 7-0 finish represents another successful chapter in Whatley’s tenure as head coach.

Now in his 14th season leading the Jr. High Giants, Whatley has built a program that has experienced consistent success, and this year’s undefeated campaign marks the fifth time one of his teams has completed a perfect season.

His career record of 69-17-2 reflects that success and the continued development of young players in the Jena football program.

The significance of the season extends beyond the final record. The Giants demonstrated teamwork, consistency and the ability to perform on the road against quality opponents, including their victories at Tioga and Vidalia.

With strong contributions from seventh graders, an efficient passing game and a defense that consistently limited opponents, the Giants put together a season that players, coaches and supporters can celebrate.

Seven games. Seven victories. One undefeated team.

The Jena Jr. High Giants have completed a remarkable season, and the foundation they established provides plenty of excitement for the future of Jena football.

Jena Jr. High 2026 Football Schedule JJHS vs Grant, 40-6 JJHS vs Pineville, 32-22 JJHS vs Caldwell, 30-0 JJHS vs Tioga, 28-6 JJHS vs Buckeye, 30-20 JJHS vs Vidalia, 24-8 JJHS vs Winnfield, 38-8