DOWNTOWN ORLANDO — Regional frontrunner Jones outlasted Brevard Rockledge on Friday evening, prevailing 42-35 in a preseason thriller. While big plays on both sides of the ball characterized the high-scoring contest, offensive firepower determined the outcome: another win for Head Coach Elijah Williams’ Fightin’ Tigers.
Under the Friday night lights at a packed Booker T. Reddick Field; the Maxson Jean-Denis Era at Jones High School began with the rising senior quarterback delivering a 70-yard touchdown strike to fellow senior Jabari Smith, on the first play of the game. First-time starter Jean-Denis takes over leadership responsibilities in the high-speed, high-powered Tigers offense, already possessing a wealth of experience in the Tigers’ system. This, as a result of having played behind former starting quarterback Julian Calvez, who is now at the historic Grambling State University in Louisiana.
Another benefit, which should greatly help Jean-Denis’ transition is the wealth of D-1 caliber talent surrounding him. For instance, 5-star linebacker Malik Bryant, who forced a huge turnover for the Tigers. Bryant famously played his junior year at IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL), before returning home, and enters his final year of high school as one of the most sought-after prospects in the country. Friday’s offensive show-of-force also featured a touchdown pass from three-star tight end Dylan Wade (former quarterback) to Smith. Jones has reloaded, and appears to already be operating at near peak performance, despite an entire Summer of fine-tuning still ahead.
MOVING FORWARD TO FALL
Notably, Friday’s win was capped with a heart-warming tribute to out-going Principal Allison Kirby, who oversaw the arrival of Head Coach Williams to Jones, and the rise of Tigers Football as a regional powerhouse. During her brief remarks, Principal Kirby made the Tiger’s expectations for the upcoming season known: State Championship or Bust.
Jones begins the 2022 regular season with a blockbuster Kickoff Classic against Miami Northwestern, followed by Cocoa, August 20th in Orlando.
THE CONVERSATION.