The Jackson County Lady Devils have something to prove. With a team full of freshmen and sophomores Coach Jordan Bryant guided the blue and white to a respectable 6-9 soccer record in 2025.
However, as 2026 rolls around, Bryant is expecting a lot more from his team. Everyone’s stronger, faster and they’ve got a year of experience under their belts. The Lady Blue Devils are ready to go.
“Actually last year, our record exceeded my expectations because we were a young group last year,” Bryant said. “We started a few freshmen last year, and they kind of got thrown to the fire a little bit. However, towards the middle of the season and the end of the season, they were really picking it up.
“We finished third in our district. We had lost 80% of our scoring heading into last year. With that, we didn’t know where we were going to find that scoring. We didn’t think there could be any way we’d been near the top of our district. We exceeded our expectations and that’s always a good thing.”
Bryant will get a good look at his 2026 squad this week when they come to Crossville to compete in the 1886 Crossville Chronicle Soccer Classic. The annual event, sponsored by the Crossville Chronicle, will be Aug. 8 at the Duer Soccer Complex.
The competition, one of the largest tournaments in the state, will feature some of the best girls soccer programs in east Tennessee. The field includes Rockwood, Cumberland County, Stone Memorial, Cannon County, Bradley Central, Sequatchie County, Jackson County, Oliver Springs, Grace Christian Academy and White County.
There will also be four teams competing in the junior varsity tournament.
The matches, shortened to 40 minutes, will begin promptly at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m. Teams will receive three points for a win and one point for a tie. Any ties in the final standings will be broken by goal differential.
Jackson County will be returning some players on both sides of the ball.
“The transition from this year to last year, we had three seniors last year, and they were good for us,” Bryant said. “We return a lot this year so I think we’re reloading. Another thing in our favor is the work ethic of last year’s Senior Class trickled down. This freshmen group coming in is talented. It broke the school record for wins [10] in a season last year.”
Though it is still early in the season, Bryant said things are shaping up. He said he believes Jackson County will score more goals this year, and play as a stronger defensive unit.
“I am expecting a lot out of two of our seniors,” the coach said. “Brooklyn Robinson and Daneisha Holland have a lot of potential. McKenna Rowland, a sophomore, is also playing well right now. McKenna has improved a lot from her freshman season.”
Jackson County is scheduled to open the Soccer Classic against Rockwood High School. The match is set for 10 a.m. CT.
“I like coming to the Crossville tournament,” Bryant said. “I think a one-day tournament shows where you’re at as a team. You finally get to go against somebody other than your teammates. It is a good gauge to show what you need to work on.”