Jackson State head coach Harold Jackson understands Saturday’s homecoming contest against division foe Mississippi Valley State will be an important one for several reasons.
JSU will be looking to snap a two-game home losing streak after falling 48-30 to then winless Prairie View last week.
Saturday also marks the return Mississippi Valley State head coach Rick Comegy a year after he was fired at JSU following the 2013 season.
“Homecoming is a game you can’t afford to lose,” Jackson told the assembled press Monday. “Everyone is coming to see what you got.”
“When I first got here I was told ‘you have to beat Mississippi Valley State,'” he said.
Comegy, who spent eight seasons at Jackson State, leading the Tigers to a SWAC championship in 2007, said his emotions heading back to Jackson will be tempered until game time approaches.
“Maybe late in the week that excitement will come,” he said. “Right now I’m focused on how to get this team better.”
Family Feud
Saturday’s game could see Jackson State QB LaMontiez Ivy compete against his older brother Mississippi Valley State QB Patrick Ivy.
Comegy, who has had the chance to coach the Ivy brothers, said both are similar quarterbacks.
“When they’re hot they’re hot. When They’re cold they’re cold,” he said. “They are both tough football players.”
Comegy has not yet named a starting quarterback.