After Jackson’s school Westside Marion merged with Francis in 1987, Jackson coached the Rams to four straight Class 2A state titles from 1988 to 1991, and during a two-year stint where Jackson left to become the head coach of Dillard University in New Orleans, Francis Marion captured another title in 1993. Jackson made his return to the Rams in 1994 and led them to state title appearances in 1996 and 1999 and their sixth state championship in 2000.

When Jackson leads Selma against his former team, the Saints will also be looking to avenge a 68-63 loss to the Rams earlier this season at Marion. Jackson said the Rams run the floor very well, and the Saints will have to play tough defense in order to get the W.

“It always starts with defense,” Jackson said. “We’re going to have to play very good defense, we’re going to be real aggressive and play hard. Like we talk about all the time, you play hard every play. You can’t take off a play. You play every play like it’s the very last play of the game.”