Quarterback Sons Lead Coaches Into Friday’s Game of the Week

The 3-1 Northeast Raiders look for four consecutive victories over the 4-0 ACE Gryphons Friday at Perkins Field

MACON, Georgia – (41NBC/WMGT) – Two head coaches will watch their sons take the field as starting quarterbacks in this week’s Game of the Week.

At the helm of his offense is freshman quarterback Jordan Wiggins, son of head coach Jeremy Wiggins, who has led his team to a 3-1 record just four games into his high school varsity career. Jordan is already breaking county records, including throwing six touchdowns in a region win over Jefferson County. A dual-threat, he has shown the ability to throw deep and run when needed.

Coach Wiggins said he focuses on helping his son handle adversity, but also tries to separate football from family time.

“I think with him, he’s just getting better each week, figuring out different defenses, figuring out he doesn’t have to do too much, but just make plays and get the ball to playmakers, so that’s the biggest thing, just working inside the offense,” Wiggins said. “When we get home, we try to leave football where it is, and just enjoy being father and son and just being at the house.”

Jordan said watching film together helps him develop.

“Yeah, almost all the time, he’ll sit and watch like we’ll sit together and watch film,” he said. “He’ll show me some stuff that I missed in the game, and he’ll text me stuff like to help me out in the game.”

On the opposing sideline, ACE head coach Keith Hatcher has grown accustomed to seeing his son, Ace, lead the offense. The quarterback has guided his team to a 10-5 overall record over the past two seasons and an undefeated start through four games this year.

Ace said his throwing improved in the offseason, and his mobility has gotten faster, though he expects a physical test Friday night against a bigger Raiders squad.

Coach Hatcher said his son’s experience is showing.

“The big thing is, coming off a year as a starter as a sophomore is just experience going out there, especially in this region, as a sophomore starting quarterback, you learn a lot really quickly,” he said. “He worked really hard in the offseason. He’s put himself in position to have a great year. This year, I certainly haven’t given him anything. So he’s done a great job establishing himself as a leader on the team.”

Ace said his father pushes him to be better.

“He tries not to be around me as much,” he said. “But if I mess up in the game, he’s definitely going to let me hear it. Think this is the biggest game of the year for us. We just got to do whatever it takes to win.”

Northeast takes on ACE Friday night for the Week Six Game of the Week. Kickoff on Perkins Field at Gryphon Stadium is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Catch highlights from this game and many more, on The Endzone, during 41NBC News at 11 p.m. Tune into live pregame coverage from Perkins Field during 41NBC News at 5, 5:30, and 6 p.m.