For decades, Jackson has been searching for the glory of the 1950s, '60s and into the '70s on the football field. A time where the Generals had the talent to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the state.

From Joe Brodsky, Jim Roundtree and Lee Corso ('50s) to Mike Strachan, Paul Schubert and Nat Cain ('60s) to a group of standouts such as Booker T. Cope, Arnie Weatherington, John Harris, Kelley Burney, David Little, Elliot Walker, Fred Robinson, Joe McCall and Barry Robinson of the '70s, this has long been a program rich in tradition.

Even former Florida Marlins' pinch-hit king Lenny Harris, a much sought after quarterback prospect, was one of many talented athletes this program produced during the 1980s, and Ben Johnson and Jermaine Mayes, tried to bring the glory back to the school in the '90s -- as did Elvis and James Dumervil, Luis Gachelin and Travarus Capers at the turn of the century.

Make no mistake, the tradition at Jackson has always been proud and waiting to return among the elite in Miami-Dade County.

When the Generals brought back one of their own, Nigel Dunn, this year to coach a team headed back toward the top, they plugged into tradition and woke up many of the alumni who had waited in hiding along the streets of Allapattah for something to happen -- in a positive way. They brought in a proven winner. Someone who had success at Miami High and Norland.

STARS OF THE PAST

As the Generals played Booker T. Washington for the district title last week at Traz Powell Stadium, many of the stars of the past came out to see if they could conjure up memories of years gone by.

If you listened close enough you could hear those names of the past like Marion Jackson, James McDuffie, Don Orr, Billy Hinson and Lonnie Coleman. You could hear the screaming coming from the sideline the way Joe Brodsky could only wake up his players with Nelson Gugino and Percy Oliver close by.

Yes, the Generals have returned, and while the names have changed, the objective is still the same, and the alumni have waited a long time for this to happen.

The stars of today are seniors Rashard Stewart, Kaytron Becton, Rodin Francis, Chad Dancy, Kerry Mintz, Demetrius Whitehead, Tavaris McMillian, Ernest Price, Demetrius Dumelle, Graylan Kemp-Mitcheler. Terrance Griffin and Chas Williams.

``This is a program definitely on the way back up,'' Dunn said. ``This is a proud school with a tradition that many of these current players simply cannot grasp. Yes, we are on the way back to where this program should be.''

While the Generals dropped a tough decision to Booker T. Washington, they served notice that this is going to be more than a one year deal. Even the alumni are buying into it -- big time.

``You could see that things turning around,'' said Booker T. Cope, a former quarterback/defensive back, who went on to play at University of Miami in the early 1970s. ``The coaches have taught these young men the sport the right way.''

A YOUNG TEAM

The best thing about Jackson is they are young. Faces such as juniors Robenson Therezie, Terronce Robbins, Antonio Sutton, Terrance Tyson, Nathaniel Brooks, David Dagrin, Ruben Carter, Migel Mesa, Darius Whitehurst and Arian Legree are making an impact. So is nationally-rated sophomore receiver Deandre Jasper, and freshmen Laqwan Scott and Marquese Blanchard.

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