Jones High School Shows Maximum Effort In Loss Against Miami Northwestern

Image via FHSAA

Who: Jones High School & Miami Northwestern

What: Class 5A State Championship Game

When: December 14, 2019

Where: Daytona Stadium, Daytona Beach, FL

Jones High School Fightin' Tigers went into their first 5A State Championship game on an 11-game win streak. Facing a dominant Miami Northwestern Bulls defense, the Tigers went into Daytona Beach prepared and ready to take on the task of winning their first state title.

Image via FHSAA

Taking matters into their own hands, Jones High School puts points on the board first with a run by #7 RB, Avarius Sparrow, and PAT by #16 Jeffrey Saint-Louis. As Jones led Northwestern 7-0, mistakes on special teams led to a turnover allowing the Bulls to march into the endzone to tie the game 7-7.

While being ranked No. 2 behind Northwestern in 5A with a 57.3 MaxPreps rating and 30.1 strength of schedule, Jones saw some difficulty on defense. Miami Northwestern used their running ability against Jones to open the field in the 2nd quarter leading to a 17-yard pass completion for a touchdown. With Miami Northwestern now leading 14-7, holding off the Tigers for the rest of the 2nd quarter was the task at hand. However, Jones was not finishing the first half sitting down. Led by senior RB Anvarius Sparrow, the Tigers end a great drive with a 12-yard run into the endzone. With minutes left in the first half, Jones forces a fumble in the red zone, recovering the ball and running out the clock ending the first-half tied 14-14. 

The second half was all about Miami Northwestern. The Bulls began the 3rd quarter in high spirits, although the Tigers possessed all the momentum. As the Bulls prepare to take over the game, they open the 3rd quarter with a 5-minute drive leading to a 10-yard rushing touchdown by #2 Nathaniel Noel, putting them up 20-14. Miami Northwestern would go on to outscore Jones 20-3 in the second half.

The Bulls would not come out of this game without facing some adversity. Having over 150 yards in penalties, Miami Northwestern tapped into their experience and would overcome their mistakes. With 234 passing yards and 146 rushing yards, the Bulls would pull out a big win over Jones 34-17. This win gives the Bulls their 7th title in school history and their third consecutive state title.

With this game being their first state title appearance, Jones High School should not be counted out as one of the top high school football programs in Florida. With talented offensive players returning to the field next season, and a defense that continues to grow and learn, the Jones Fightin' Tigers and head coach Elijah Williams should look to make another championships run in 2020.

Final Score: Miami Northwestern 34-17

Rushing Leaders:

Avarius Sparrow - 111 yds, 2TD (Jones)

Nathaniel Noel - 69 yds, 3TD (Miami Northwestern)

Passing Leaders:

Tysan Robbins - 14/19 for 125 yds

Taron Dickens - 18/24 for 234 yds