All Hail Homecoming!


There’s plenty to come home to in Jeff Davis County this week.

The Yellow Jackets return to the Pinelands unbeaten, alumni return to familiar stands, and a community that has watched this program work through difficult seasons gets to celebrate how far it has come.


A brief history of where we came from:

2022: 1-9

2023: 5-6

2024: 8-4

2025: 7-4


Now, Jeff Davis enters Homecoming at 5–0 overall and 1–0 in Region 1-AA—a progression built through years of preparation, persistence and belief.


As Coach Lance Helton reminded supporters at this week’s booster meeting, Homecoming is about “everybody that played before us.”


After five consecutive road victories, including a hard-earned 29–20 win at Fitzgerald, the Jackets finally get to play in front of their hometown again.


Bacon County arrives following a 34–0 loss to Fitzgerald last week, bringing a 2-3 overall record and a 0–2 region mark.


What should fans watch for? Bacon’s explosive running threat, particularly in space, will test JD’s defense. For the Jackets, the priorities are disciplined football, sound special teams and an offense that stays composed and takes advantage of its opportunities. Another region victory will require the same focus that brought them this far.


And throughout the excitement, Helton’s message is to stay humble.


With so much grace and goodness surrounding this season, there is plenty to appreciate. Helton wants his players to keep recognizing where they can improve, preparing with purpose and doing the work behind the results.


“You want to know how to be great? Humble yourself constantly,” he told the gathering.

For the fans, Touchdown Club President Scottie Graham has a one request: Pack the Pinelands.


Members of the Class of 1991 will be in the stands during their 35-year reunion weekend, with members of the Class of 2001 also expected to attend, 25 years after their own days at JD. They’ll join generations of Jackets cheering on the students carrying that tradition forward.


Fill the stands for the team and coaches, the band, cheerleaders and students who make this night special. Welcome back the alumni. Celebrate the progress and help create the home-field atmosphere these Jackets have earned.


Kickoff is Thursday, October 8, at 7:30 p.m., with the game moved up because of anticipated inclement weather.


The Jackets are coming home with a chance to reach 6–0. Jeff Davis County has a chance to show them just how proud home is.


--Sophia Allen | GameFace Media