Jacksonville State quarterback Marques Ivory's extremely unfortunate break may end up creating a life-changing opportunity for former Spring Garden standout Jake Scott.

Ivory sustained a fractured right fibula in the second quarter of the season opener against UT-Martin (JSU won the game, 24-23). Ivory, who led the Gamecocks to a 9-3 record and a second-round playoff berth in 2010, underwent surgery. Reports from his doctors indicate the surgery went well and Ivory will likely receive a medical redshirt for the 2011 season.

Coty Blanchard, a sophomore from Centre, now moves into the full-time role as starting quarterback. Last season, as a true freshman, Blanchard split time with Ivory in coach Jack Crowe's offensive system, which paid off in big dividends for the Gamecocks. JSU reached the No. 2 spot in national polls, hosted its first home playoff game in 18 years in the newly renovated Burgess-Snow Field at JSU Stadium, and claimed a high-profile double overtime 49-48 win over Ole Miss. For his efforts Blanchard was named the Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year.

Now Crowe faces a special teams dilemma. Does he keep Blanchard as the Gamecocks' full-time punter or go with a more traditional approach? Banchard's right leg is a formidable and whenever he lines up to punt other teams must worry about any trickery Crowe might want to dial up. However, anytime Blanchard lines up to punt Crowe rolls the dice on having his quarterback taking an unnecessary.

JSU faithful know that behind Blanchard on the bench sits a chasm of inexperience at the signal-caller position. Senior Alabama transfer Thomas Darrah and redshirt freshman Steven Coates are on a crash course to fill the backup role, but have yet to be tested under pressure. In a week two loss to UT-Chattanooga, Blanchard endured three sacks and constant pressure due to an ineffective offensive line. Not only did they fail to provide adequate protection for Blanchard but they allowed the Mocs to stuff the Gamecock running game (55 yards).

With that in mind fans might wonder if Crowe will continue to leave Blanchard on the field in fourth down situations — or will he turn to another talented local athlete?

Waiting in the wings is another Cherokee County native Jake Scott. Scott, from Spring Garden, brings a quality resume to the gridiron as a walk-on at JSU. Scott picked up First Team All-State honors as a placekicker for the Panthers in 2007 and 2009, with an honorable mention in 2008. As a senior Scott made 39 of 41 extra points and connected on five of 11 field goals, with a long of 46 yards. As a punter Scott booted the ball 41 times for an average of 38 yards per kick. Scott also played tailback and safety for Spring Garden. In 2008, the Panthers finished 9-3, followed by a 6-6 mark in '09. Both of those teams made it to the seconds round of the state playoffs.

Scott always knew he wanted to play college football. He had an embedded desire to represent the Spring Garden community and his family on the gridiron at the highest level. Scott was recruited by JSU with the understanding that they wouldn't be able to tender a scholarship offer. So, with 125 other enthusiastic recruits, he began the weeding out process. So far, Scott is only one of six recruits remaining from the original group. Last year he toiled in obscurity on the practice squad. This year he got his break.

Ohatchee High School head coach Coach Jason Howard, Scott's coach at Spring Garden, said Scott can pretty much do it all.

“Jake was a multi-sport athlete playing football, basketball and baseball,” Howard said. “Being able to walk on at Jacksonville State is a testament to his work ethic. He was always willing to put in the extra practice time and continued to improve his technique by going to kicking camps.”

Scott noted that the difference in high school 1A and college Division 1 football is “nearly indescribable.”

“There is such a vast difference in the size, speed, agility and athleticism of the athletes,” he said.

College coaches have tightening up his punting routine, too.

“In high school you could hold the ball, take your steps and get off a highlight reel kick,” Scott said. “In college you've always got a stopwatch on you. You've got be able to get the get the ball off in under two seconds and hit just the right spot. It's very technical. Timing is everything.”

After Blanchard was named the starting quarterback, Crowe told the press he said he didn't see a risk in Blanchard filling the quarterback and punter roles. But he added that Scott could handled the punting duties if he was needed. Crowe did call on Scott in the fourth quarter against the Mocs. Scott recorded one punt, a 25-yarder, on the final stat sheet.

The chain of events set in motion by Ivory's unfortunate break may prove opportune for Scott in the long run. Perhaps it was simply that the circumstances were right. As Jake has said, “timing is everything.”

Sept. 24 will be Preview Day at JSU. Kickoff against conference foe Eastern Illinois is set for 6 p.m.