Jones becomes weapon of choice for Freedom

By Joe Conroy

Published: September 25, 2008

Deon Jones is finally the the focus of Freedom’s offense and it’s paying dividends.
Last year coach John Robinette instead went with an attack with passing the Eagles’ main weapon.
That choice only led to two wins in 2007 and Jones finished the year with just 488 yards and two touchdowns. He had only one 100-yard game that season as well.
This year the senior running back already has more yards (496) and as many scores in just three games, leading Freedom to an early 2-1 record. He even had back-to-back games with more than 200 yards against Brooke Point and Stonewall Jackson.
The difference for Jones has been less him growing into the role of feature back and more an adjustment by the coaching staff.
“The head coach had to wise up and get him the ball some more,” Robinette said laughing. “He’s always been able to run but now I think with his brother Howard graduating and injuries at quarterback, we realized we probably better give him the ball some more. That and having an experienced group of linemen has made a difference.”
Jones, who has been on varsity since his freshman year, saw a significant bump in touches particularly in the 25-24 win over the Raiders when he carried the ball 37 times, well above his game average of 23 rushing attempts.
“I didn’t have a design to run him 37 times — I wasn’t planning on doing that,” Robinette said. “I wanted to run, but 37 times was a bit much. But we’re doing what it takes to win. We want him to get 20-25 touches a game.”
“Last year I didn’t get the ball much,” Jones said, “but this year as I get the ball more and more I know I’ve got to produce more.
In addition to his abilities running the ball, Jones has become more of a leader both in the backfield and at linebacker, adding to his value.
“He really gets the kids going,” Robinette said. “At times, as a senior, he’s told me, ‘Coach, give me a minute.’ He brings the kids together if they’re not on the right track and he gets them on the right track. I give the seniors the leeway to do that.”
“I’ve always taken a leadership role. It’s fun,” Jones said. “Sometimes guys go down with a little injury or something and I’ve got to (boost) them back up. Last week we had a couple o-linemen go down from d-linemen cutting their knees out and I just reminded them that we have to get up and run the ball.”
Jones’ success also opened the passing game last week. Quarterback Lamar Howard threw for 146 yards and two scores on 7 of 21 passing.
“We’re all working hard to get this rushing game going,” Jones said. “More running opens up the pass and all that.”
Facing perennial football power Amherst this week, Freedom will need both facets of the offense hitting on all cylinders.
Amherst is the two-time defending Group AA Division 4 state champions. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. tonight at Freedom, weather and field conditions permitting.