Late in the 2017 season, Sobrato High had lost its second- and third-string quarterbacks. Bulldogs coach Tony Holmes gave Jordan Sheets—who at the time was a starting sophomore wide receiver on the junior varsity team—a chance to start learning the quarterback position.
“They brought me up last year basically to be the back-up behind John Bell,” the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Sheets said. “I got game time, but didn’t throw the ball much. It was mostly all hand-offs.”
Knowing he would be competing for the starting position this season, Sheets used the off-season to gain some weight, get stronger and learn the position. It’s been a crash course in football quarterbacking 101, and yet Holmes feels the team is in good hands with Sheets—despite the lack of experience the junior has under center.
“J.T. is definitely a project, but I’m continually encouraged by what he’s doing,” Holmes said. “J.T. has the potential to be a very good quarterback. This is his first time playing the position, so there is a lot of room for improvement. If you look at where he’s come from the summer to right now, you know he’ll be fine. He’s already good at leading the team, being a vocal leader and keeping guys in games.”
With just four healthy seniors on a thin roster, Sobrato has started the season 0-2 entering Friday’s game at San Lorenzo Valley of Felton. However, the Bulldogs know playing against B-level teams will prepare them well for league play in the Blossom Valley League’s West Valley Division, which is considered a C-league.
“It’s definitely been a learning experience getting to know the position more and finding chemistry with my teammates, especially the offense,” Sheets said.
Even though Sobrato lost its first game 51-16 and its second game 49-0, Holmes said the team did some things better in the most recent loss to Monterey.
“From game one to game two, we were able to move the ball on the ground a little more effectively, even if the score didn’t show it,” he said. “Obviously, we still have stuff we have to improve on in every area of the game, and we’re moving guys around to see where they’re most effective at.”
Despite being new to the position and the sport for that matter—Sheets never played youth football—he seemingly has the disposition and temperament to excel at quarterback. He also has an older brother standout on the team, Jonathan, to talk to whenever he has a question or wants to bounce ideas off each other.
“It’s always fun to have him out there,” said Sheets, who when asked if he was taller than Jonathan, said, “yes, and I’m very happy to say that. It’s nice to have that connection with a brother so we could push each other and give coaching points to each other. I’ve definitely looked up to him for his work ethic and making better decisions.”
Two blowout losses haven’t put a dent in the resolve of the Bulldogs, who look to improve with each passing week.
“We’re looking forward to a lot more effort and fire under us,” Sheets said. “Getting smacked in the mouth twice hurts, that’s for sure. But we’re ready to get out there, stay on our toes, get the game speed up and keep our spirits up even in tough times.”
