Southside- In youth football circles he was known as ” the rocket”. He ran circles around opponents and over defenders for the youth football team Clay Bears. The name stuck with him in middle school, as he took the Swiss Point Raiders to the stars by guiding them to a St. Johns County middle school championship. Now a junior at Bartram Trail High School, Aaron Jones is without question the engine behind the undefeated locomotive that has the Bears at 9-0 after defeating Sandalwood last week 49-21.
In the contest, Jones or Ajay as he’s referred to by family scored five of Bartram’s seven touchdowns, making for a spectacular evening by the running-back. His first, on Bartram’s first drive as he took the handoff and ran through would be tacklers to endzone for a 13-yard score.
His next one showed his versatility and speed, taking a swing pass 30-yards to the house for the score. Bartram would take an early 14-0 lead in the contest.
Jahlyn Embry would pick up a fumble and run 52-yards for a score to get Sandalwood close. However, Bartram would extend their lead first when quarterback Chad Dodson hit tight end Eli Sutherland for the score. Then Dodson found sophomore Eric Weatherly for a long pitch and catch, making it 28-14.
The first half would end as Bartram held a commanding 35-14 advantage. Sandalwood’s Jeff Sims was the only offense the Saints could muster, scoring on a 1-yard plunge. He could not keep pace with Bartram and Aaron Jones, who scored his third touchdown of the half .
The third quarter opened with a bang as Jones rocketed down the field for a 65 yard touchdown run. Jones lived up to his name on the play running pass defenders on his way to the end-zone.
In the end, Bartram would move to 9-0 as Jones powered his way for a fifth touchdown on the night. A star studded effort to which the rocket ascended to incredible heights. Jones now has 1224 total yards and 24 touchdowns on the season.
Bartram will now set its sights on Raines who comes to visit on Friday. The game can give Bartram it’s only undefeated regular season in school history. Also, the game provides bragging rights for the team in Northeast Florida, as they could be one of only two teams (Lee H.S) to defeat both defending champions this year (Mandarin). A truly talented team that will go as high as the rocket will take them.
Featured Image Courtesy of Eagles Eye Photography
