Big hole no big deal for future Spartan Jackson, West Bloomfield

West Bloomfield coach Ron Bellamy knew he had reason to still be confident despite trailing 24-7 after the opening quarter of the season opener against Dearborn Thursday night.

Sure, it wasn't the start Bellamy was looking for, but he knew he had one of the biggest weapons in the state in quarterback and Michigan State commit Trishton Jackson, as well as a strong defense, led by the secondary.

"It was just important for us to keep our composure and make adjustments because we were making self-inflicted wounds," said Bellamy, whose Lakers came back to score 45 straight points to turn a 17-point deficit into a 52-24 lead, with Jackson catching passes as well as throwing them. "Once we took the lead, 31-24 early in the second half, you could see them getting down. They had just blown a 17-point lead and they had to pass the ball against our secondary."

Dearborn's passing game didn't go well, with West Bloomfield getting two pick-6s – one by defensive tackle Theo Majette and another by Prince Linus – to open up the 52-24 cushion. The final score would be 59-31.

Bellamy praised Jackson, but also had compliments for Majette, running back Davion Johnson, Purdue-bound safety Navon Mosley and big-play receiver Garrett Winn.

"Theo Majette is the same type of defensive presence as (Farmington Hills Harrison and Alabama-bound Khalid) Kareem," pointed out Bellamy. "Davion Johnson's under the radar, but he's going to be a good one, has 4.5 speed and runs with power."

Jackson completed 16-of-24 passes for 186 yards and three TDs with two first-half interceptions. He also rushed for 76 yards and a TD and had two receptions.

Johnson had 76 yards rushing and a TD.

Winn had 10 touches, including 110 yards rushing on three carries and seven receptions for 85 yards, and Mosley had six receptions for 73 yards.

West Bloomfield plays at Troy Thursday before a Week No. 3 showdown at home against two-time defending Division 1 state champion Clarkston on Sept. 11.