PLAYER OF THE WEEK : 280-Yard Game Reminds Edwin Jones of Old Times

Rushing for 280 yards last week brought back the old days for Kennedy running back Edwin Jones. As a Pop Warner football player, Jones had two games of more than 300 yards and once gained 2,200 yards in a 10-game season.

“My parents said it was just like watching me in my old Pop Warner days,” Jones said.

Jones was a national record-holder in the 100-yard dash as a 9-year-old, but knee problems in his early teens kept him from maintaining the level of play he attained in youth leagues.

For one night, at least, it all came back and Kennedy defeated Cleveland, 35-0. Jones scored three touchdowns and amassed the yardage on only 15 carries.

Kennedy Coach Bob Francola believes that Jones, a senior, will continue to excel the rest of the season.

“He has that great quickness back,” Francola said. “Several Division I recruiters were there to see Cleveland’s Albert Fann. I made Edwin a captain and hoped he would respond.”

Jones pointed to the downfield blocking of wide receiver Dion Lambert as a reason for his runs of 92, 75, 36 and 35.

“He’s a great stalk blocker,” Jones said. “I’d get around end and Dion would take care of the cornerback.”

After suffering a neck injury early in the season against Banning, Jones missed playing against cross-town rival Granada Hills, a game that ended in a 7-7 tie.

“That was frustrating,” he said. “Our line opened big holes that night and I wanted to run through them.”

Jones has gained 691 yards and scored 7 touchdowns with a 6.6 average despite the slow start. With Kennedy showing improvement, Jones is eager for a rematch with Banning.

“I’m looking forward to playing them again,” Jones said. “Our offense is finally playing well. We’ve cut down on our penalties and are on a pretty good roll. It’s best to peak at the end of the season and that’s what our team is doing.”

And Jones is peaking at the right time as well.