HIALEAH – After going 3-7 last fall, the Berean Christian Bulldogs have been looking to bounce back in a big way.

On Tuesday afternoon (May 15), Berean Christian did just that by taking down Westland Hialeah in a 20-0 victory.

“The victory is definitely a stepping stone in the right direction for us going into summer conditioning,” Berean Christian head coach Mario Jackson said. “It’s going to give us that edge, the confidence we need, the hunger and desire to compete.”

Jackson is now in his second year with the program, and he’s had a major impact already. Jackson’s game plan and football culture is Christ-centered.

Berean Christian’s team motto this year is “Unfinished Business” after last year’s mediocre season.

Although the Bulldogs captured a much needed victory in their spring game, they still have a lot of work to do due to them having such a young team that will need to grow up fast this summer.

When asked about his team’s overall evaluation, Jackson was direct with his response.

“Overall, I would say a B-,” he said. “We have a lot of gaps and holes to fill. Our O-line is super young and those guys have to gel together quick. Defense is our cornerstone, so we must become greater at doing things we do well.”

A major part of Jackson’s coaching style is headed by mentorship and motivation that will last a lifetime.

“Showing them how much I care for them outside of football has always been my method of motivation,” he said. “I was once told by a mentor, ‘If you take care of your employees, they will take care of you.'”

Teaching student-athletes that life is bigger than sports itself. It can be a challenge, especially with a young team.

Nevertheless, Jackson has made it his business to pass down the same lessons that were given to him.

“Yes, we are here to play football,” he said. “But it’s much bigger than that. Once they can grasp the concept of what I’m trying to teach them about life and apply it to football, we will be fine. You give a poor man a fish, and you feed him for a day. You teach him to fish, and you give him an occupation that will feed him for a lifetime.”

Jackson is a passionate coach with great leadership skills that can translate into more wins next season. This young Berean Christian Bulldogs team will be interesting to watch come this fall.

“Shout out to all of my players,” he said. “We will forever be tied together. We have unfinished business in 2018. Bulldog Pride!”