Photo and Story by Wendy Smith – FAN ZONE

Morgan Jones is just one of the many talented athletes to walk the halls of Stigler High School according to his head football coach Cade Shearwood. “Morgan is a fantastic man,” said Shearwood. “Anything life throws at him he overcomes. He will do great things in this life.”

Now a junior, Jones has more than earned the opportunity to show the coaches and the fans exactly what he is made of. On Friday, Aug. 27, the varsity starter scored the Panther’s first touchdown of the season. The 58-yard TD ignited the flame that led to a 26-19 comeback victory. “He did exactly what he’s supposed to do, his job. He went out on offense and made plays whether that was catching a screen pass for 70 or blocking hard on the edge in our outside run game,” said Shearwood. “On defense, he did the same, he racked up 12 tackles and covered well in the passing game. I am very proud of him.”

When asked what he loves about being a Panther, Jones didn’t hesitate in his response. “Just being able to play for such a great group of boys and such a great coaching staff and just knowing that I’m out there playing for this great town of Stigler is such a blessing,” replied the young man.

Jones, who proudly wears the No. 11 jersey, definitely knows his way around both ends of the football field. His cleats first hit the field as a fifth-grade in Stigler Middle School and he hasn’t missed a beat since. When I asked what got him into the sports, he replied, “Ryan Curson and my dad inspired me to play.”

For the past five years, Jones along with his classmates have earned a record of 39 wins and 4 losses. So it is safe to say that the junior class has some mad skills.

During our conversation, Jones reflected on some of the life lessons that football has taught him while playing the game that he loves. “Some of the skills that football has taught me is just knowing how to become a young man and to just be ready for the real world,” he said. “It has also taught me what it takes to overcome things in everyday life even when times get tuff.”

In addition to playing football, Jones is also active in baseball and his favorite subject is physical science. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, fishing, and hunting.