The Making of ‘The Sheriff’: Mother’s sacrifices, father’s memory driving forces behind Raines DB’s title chase

The sounds of the “Sheriff” echo across the Raines High School football field.

On it, you’ll find senior defensive back Shareef Jackson patrolling the secondary with the same intensity that earned him his nickname.

The moniker originated from his mother, but it wasn’t until his freshman year that it truly took hold. He said his defensive coordinator struggled with his name, repeatedly calling out “sheriff.”

Jackson embraced the identity. By his sophomore year, as he claimed his starting role, the nickname became a warning to opponents.

“In 10th grade, I took over the island and told people you throw at the sheriff, it’s gonna be a bad night,” Jackson said.

For Raines’ head coach, Donovan Masline, who bestowed Jackson as a freshman with the same No. 32 he wore as a player, the nickname