How important is Jack Merridew, and would the descent into savagery in Lord of the Flies have been prevented without him?

Since most groups of normal, civilized boys would not
digress into the savagery that occurred on the island in Lord of the
Flies, I tend to believe that Jack's influence was a major reason for the
drastic change. Assuming that Jack had not been present, it is most likely that none of
the others would have had the bloodthirsty urges that consumed Jack. As the unquestioned
leader, Ralph would have seen to it that the boys stayed focused on keeping the signal
fires burning and not roaming the island trying to kill wild pigs. (With all of the fish
and other marine wildlife available at their disposal, the pigs would not have even been
necessary for survival.) Because of Jack's urges for power and control, the rest of the
boys succumbed to his own desires. Since none of the other choirboys displayed the
leadership qualities found in Jack, probably no one else would have challenged Ralph's
position.