ECCC soccer inks Trojan pair

By By Jeff Byrd/staff writer
March 1, 2002
East Central Community College picked up a pair of soccer signees on Thursday afternoon at Northeast Lauderdale High School.
Signing deals with Warriors head coach Ken Thompson were Northeast seniors Chris Stevens and Jay Jacobs. Both players were defensemen for the Trojans this past season.
Trojans soccer coach James Mathews said he is glad to see Stevens and Jacobs continue their soccer career but at the same time says his team's defense has taken a hit.
Northeast Lauderdale finished 10-8 on the season against a tough schedule which included 1A-3A runner-up West Lauderdale, 5A Meridian, 1A-3A semifinalist Clarkdale and a rugged slate from Division 5-4A.
Stevens says East Central will him the chance to play soccer yet stay close to home.
Jacobs came into the season with a question health wise after suffering a knee injury during football season with the Trojans. He bounced back to have a solid year as a right fullback for Mathews' team.
Janice Jacobs used to teach at East Central, but for Jay it's ECCC physical educational department that was a main draw.
Mathews says both players should fit in well.