It’s not like Kaneland’s Jackson Little hasn’t scored a touchdown this season. He already has reached the end zone twice during his time in the offensive backfield as a running back.
But the 6-foot-1, 215-pound junior linebacker realizes that his true value for the Knights comes from being physical and aggressive on defense, where he can truly set the pace of the game.
“I never had a defensive touchdown in my career,” Little said, reflecting on what became a pick-six frenzy by him and his teammates. “I told myself once I got the ball that I had to outrun everyone.
“I’m very physical and fast, but I can cover. I love to do that, guard people and make plays.”
Little started out with a big play Saturday night, returning an interception 54 yards for a TD to open the scoring and spark Kaneland to a 68-21 win over Lakes in a Class 5A first-round playoff game.
The Knights (8-2) — who advance to play Belvidere North (10-0) in the second round, a rematch from last year — picked off five passes against Lakes (6-4) and returned three for TDs.
Senior defensive back Luke Gadomski and junior linebacker Santino Fiordirosa also came through with a pick-six for Kaneland. Senior defensive back Brady Alstott added the other interception.
Offensively, senior running back Carter Grabowski contributed with three rushing TDs and also caught a 14-yard TD pass from senior quarterback Jalen Carter, but Little was the biggest deal.
His interception on the fourth play from scrimmage proved to be a harbinger of things to come.
“We said our defense had to set the tone and it didn’t take him very long,” Kaneland coach Mike Thorgesen said. “He saw a play and made it, and that’s what we ask of our players.
“We probably have some seniors with more talent, but we’ve said since he was a freshman, Jackson is just a football player. He has great instincts, and he’s very physical.”
In going up against a pass-happy team, Godomski confirmed it was crucial to start strong.
“That really set the tone when he got the first interception and fired everybody up,” Godomski said of Little. “It gave everybody a big confidence boost and closed off a certain part of the field.
“It elevated the whole team.”
Little, a two-year varsity starter, also plays an important role on offense as a blocking back. Defense, though, remains his passion. He had four tackles in addition to the interception.
After spending his sophomore year last season learning the position, Little has unlocked his potential. He also showed the ability to rush the passer and make plays at the point of impact.
“My role has evolved a lot,” Little said. “Last year I didn’t really feel like I had the size, the quickness or aggressiveness. I spent a lot of time in the weight room getting bigger and faster.
“I’m just an overall better player.”
In reaching the end zone, Little showed off his hands, speed and explosiveness in space.
“Hopefully, there’s more to come,” he said. “We were locked in.”
Little started playing flag football at age 5. His father and his uncles were early influences.
“Everybody in my family played football,” he said. “My dad wasn’t the greatest, but my uncles were really good in Minnesota. I got my background from my dad and his brothers.
“That just helped me fall in love with the sport.”
His favorite sport outside of football is playing golf. It’s a calming influence, helping with his patience and discipline.
“I’m outgoing and I like to spend time with my friends or work out,” he said. “All of my life I’ve been super competitive. I’ve always wanted to get better and make the people around me better.
“I’m always 100% in whatever I do.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
