POST Wednesday, August 23, 2023 • Vol. 16 No. 7 • FREE
Cardinal Alum Jackson Joins the Fun at Back-to-School Bash
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By Daniel Sherriff sports@karlovecmedia.com Whenever there is a chance for Cardinal graduate Maria Jackson to return to her alma matter to lend support to the athletic program, she is game. Having already attended several basketball games and her induction into the Cardinal Hall of Fame in 2021, the 2002 graduate continued showing her support when she was headlined as the athletic alumni in attendance at the Huskies’ second Back-to-School Bash last Saturday at Middlefield. “It’s huge for me,” she said. “I take a lot of pride in being an alum of Cardinal High School, and so anytime I can come back and help out, I try to do that. It’s just awesome to be here and help anyway I can and see how much the school has grown and changed.” Jackson, 38, set two school records when she was a student, scoring 42 points in a basketball game and making five three-pointers in another game, but has since taken her athletic career to new heights, winning two gold medals as a wide receiver for the United States Women’s Tackle National Team and winning four championships with the Texas Elite Spartans.
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Cardinal graduate Maria Jackson addresses the Back-to-School Bash at Cardinal High School Saturday. Jackson, 38, set two school records when she was a student, scoring 42 points in a basketball game and making five three-pointers in another game, but has since taken her athletic career to new heights, winning two gold medals as a wide receiver for the United States Women’s Tackle National Team and winning four championships with the Texas Elite Spartans.
“Honestly people tried to get me to come try out for a couple years before I actually did, and when they initially asked me, I was like no, are you crazy?” Jackson acknowledged. “Why would I play tackle football? Now I wish I would have started earlier because of the places it has taken me and having the opportunity to play across the world and for my country.” Jackson said she was inspired to pursue basketball because of NBA all-time great Michael Jordan but
was a late bloomer, not taking up basketball until she was in junior high school. The only real experience Jackson had at playing football was when she competed in powderpuff games during spirit week at Cardinal. After graduating from Case Western Reserve University, Jackson played basketball in recreation leagues and was invited to play in a recreation women’s tackle football league in 2013. Jackson said despite football be-
ing a more physical sport, she could apply a lot of what she learned from basketball to football. “I think there are a lot of skills from basketball that carry over like hand-eye coordination, cutting ability and quickness, and even how you play defense and knowing how to stay in front of somebody,” she said. She made the United States Women’s Tackle National Team’s roster in 2017 and won her first See Jackson• Page 2
The Competitive Huskies Are Ready to Pull Their Way Onward By Haley Adams sports@karlovecmedia.com After finishing the 2022-23 regular season 5-5, 3-3 in the Chagrin Valley Conference, Chris Perrotti enters his third season as head coach, and is ready to take his team to the next level. “We fully expect to make the playoffs. Now it’s time to get that first playoff win in over 20 years,” Perrotti said. Last year’s Huskies fell short of a come-from-behind victory against the Red Wolves in Week One of the
playoffs. They trailed 14-0 in the first quarter and ultimately lost, 3526. Also reflecting on last year’s 3812 loss against Garrettsville, Perrotti said, “A lot of our goals begin by beating Garrettsville in the first week of the season.” That game, the team cut the G-Men’s lead to seven to start the fourth quarter, then gave up 19 points. Cardinal brings back 10 starters from a season ago, including 14 letter-winners. Its coaching staff believes this could be Cardinal’s best
skills group yet. Leading offensively will be third-year starter Logan Strever. The senior threw for 778 yards, including seven passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. On the ground, Strever ran for 661 yards on 95 carries, and recorded 10 touchdowns. He was also named to the 2022 New Herald All-District Team, earning Honorable Mention. “We’ve stressed a lot to stay focused, keeping the tempo fast and making sure that we’re competitive at all times,” Strever said. Strever will have help from his
solid receiving core that returns four starters from a season ago. Wide receivers Christian Cowle, Troy Domen, Aidan Gallagher and Kyle Sinclair all return for a strong senior campaign. Sinclair led all receivers last year with 16 receptions for 278 yards and three touchdowns. “We think our wide receivers are where they need to be, and we’re in a good position at the moment,” said Domen, who finished with 16 receptions for 177 yards See Football• Page 4
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