The Gore Pirates have made it to the Class A state quarterfinals the past three years and Jackson Duke has been a part of that success. But in his senior year, Duke (and his coach Brandon Tyler) is hopeful that 2022 will be the year to break that streak and move further into the playoffs. And with 10 offensive starters back this year, things look promising for the Pirates.

Jackson Duke is what you would call a jack of all trades for Gore.

“He’s our running back, kicker, defensive back and is a four-year starter. He’s played quarterback, safety, linebacker, punt returner and receiver at some point for us,” said Tyler. “He just comes to work every day and leads by example with his strong work ethic which causes the other guys to rally around him.”

Athletics has been a big part of the Jackson’s life with two siblings who are also athletic while he himself also plays forward for the Pirate basketball team, is center fielder on the baseball team and has been to the state power lifting championships twice.

“I started playing baseball first when I was about four, then got into football in the third grade and basketball in the fourth grade,” said Duke.

Though he didn’t really have any role models growing up, Jackson says his grandfather has been a big part of his life.

“He’s always got tips for me or some great advice that just makes my day and makes me feel better,” said Duke who averaged nearly 12 yard per carry in 2021.

Jackson shares the team leadership duties with several returning seniors and had some thoughts on what he feels his role is in that capacity.

“I didn’t feel like we had strong leadership when I was a freshman. It was mainly ‘just do your job and be good at it’. So this year I’m trying to the be the guy who picks people up if they’re down on themselves and I like to give the younger guys pointers and tips to help them out,” said Duke.

Jackson has his eye on playing college football somewhere and has had some conversations with Nicholls State in Louisiana. When he leaves Gore, he knows how he hopes folks will think of him.

“I’d like to be remembered as a player who always did his job and never gave up.”