The Sebastian River High School football team is celebrating two standout players this week: Jaden Jackson, No. 21, and Jacob Mann, No. 4. These athletes have earned the title of Players of the Week for their exceptional contributions on he field & in the classroom.
Jaden Jackson #21
Senior Jaden Jackson balances a 4.16 GPA with his passion for football. He is committed to Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, and plans to pursue a degree in biology while continuing his football career. Since starting the sport in ninth grade, he credits the game with teaching him resilience and mental toughness.
“Our coaches helped me prepare for overcoming adversity and becoming mentally strong through difficult challenges,” Jackson told Sebastian Daily.
One of his favorite football memories is a spontaneous dance party the team had in their flooded locker room. Beyond the gridiron, Jackson studies carcinology, plays the baritone saxophone, and helps care for his seven siblings.
He gave shout-outs to key figures in his journey: “Mrs. Nelson for accepting my overwhelming questions about nature and making me feel understood, Coach Bethel for putting that true dog in me and establishing an unrelenting hustle, and Coach Fly for being my running back coach, agility coach, and a smile and friend from the very beginning. I didn’t have a running back coach until my senior year, and he filled the shoes perfectly. If it wasn’t for him, I’d probably run a 5.9 40.”
According to Head Coach Perry: “Jaden Jackson is a hardworking player and a great teammate not only on the field but in the classroom also. We are hoping Jaden will make a definite impact at some point in the season. With Jaden trusting in our team process, he found a way to be impactful in last weeks game.”
Jacob Mann #4
Jacob Mann is a senior with a 3.0 GPA and has been playing football since age 7. His ability to excel in multiple positions—halfback, quarterback, linebacker, and tight end—has made him a cornerstone of the Sharks’ roster.
After graduation, Mann will head to Fort Leonard Wood in February 2026 for Basic Training with the U.S. Army, a testament to his commitment to service.
Mann spoke very highly of Head Coach Perry.
“Coach Perry means everything,” Mann said. “From tough days on the field to the best on game day, he’s a real role model. He took a chance on me, and I never looked back.”
One of Mann’s favorite memories was from their midnight practice, where the team bonded over McDonald’s and joked around at 3 a.m., highlighting the camaraderie of the Sharks team.
When he’s not playing football, Mann is focused on preparing to graduate from Basic Training and preparing for his career in the military.
Mann praises his support system: “Shoutout to my mom and stepmother, Alisa, along with my girlfriend, Mia, who have shown incredible support and kept me on the right path. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and held me to high standards. I couldn’t thank y’all enough.”
The Sharks are proud to spotlight Jackson and Mann, whose dedication exemplifies the team’s spirit. As they prepare to face Okeechobee High School on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., the Sharks carry forward the resilience, leadership, and camaraderie these players embody.
Coach Perry commented on Mann’s potential: “We love his work ethic when he’s at practice. We also appreciate the small changes that help him improve daily. During the season, once he puts it all together, he will find a way to help us win a game.”
Upcoming Game
The SRHS Sharks’ next away game will be on Friday, September 26, 2025, with kickoff at 7:00 p.m. They will be playing Okeechobee High School.
