SHENANDOAH JUNCTION, W.Va. - If everything goes to plan for coach Jay Kirby, Jefferson High School's motto will be simple.
"Give the ball to Mercer and let 'em beg for mercy."
Tailback B.J. Mercer will be the focal point of a Cougar football team that has changed its identity over the years.
In years past, Jefferson was a wide-open, throw-caution-to-the- wind offense. Not so now, especially with Mercer.
"We used to have players like (quarterback Troy) Wilt and (receiver James) Jett," said Kirby, who's in his 14th year at Jefferson. "We don't have that kind of speed any more."
Changing is a lot easier to take with a Mercer around. The senior carried the ball 131 times for 859 yards and eight touchdowns for a 4-6 team. He also caught 22 passes for 263 yards.