Kasey Jones has been making plays since for the Lufkin Panthers since he was a sophomore.
In his first year on the varsity he had an impact on the offense, then as a starting receiver in his junior season for the first eight games of 2008.
Joel Andrews/The Lufkin Daily News |
Lufkin defensive back Kasey Jones prepares to make an interception during a Sept. 26 game at Abe Martin Stadium. Jones leads the Panthers in interceptions with three this season. The Panthers host The Woodlands on Friday night at 7:30.
|
Then just before the Panthers played against The Woodlands last year, he learned of a moved that surprised him. He would be moving to the defensive secondary.
Just a few days later, that move paid off as the Panthers' defense dominated the day in a surprising 15-13 win over the sixth-ranked The Woodlands Highlanders. Now as Lufkin enters another showdown with The Woodlands, Jones' move to the defense has paid off.
He is the team leader with three interceptions and has been a vital part of a defense that leads District 14-5A in fewest points allowed.
"It took some adjustment to go to defensive back and try to hit somebody rather than catching a ball," Jones said. "But it helps coming from playing receiver because a lot of times, I can read what a receiver is going to try to do to get open against me."
Lufkin head coach John Outlaw said Jones' willingness to put in the work on the defensive side is what makes him so successful .
"He was a great offensive player for us," Outlaw said. "As a sophomore he was on the varsity, and he stayed there most of his junior year. Not many kids would be willing to make that switch that late in a season. But he just said he would do whatever it takes to help the team. He's been a big part of this year's team."
Jones currently has 23 tackles with two of those going for losses. Each of his three interceptions came in a two-game span earlier in the season.
He made two interceptions against Conroe on homecoming night and had an interception against Mesquite.
"I think getting two interceptions on homecoming night was the highlight I've had here," Jones said. "But we're going to be playing some passing teams both against The Woodlands and in the playoffs. So I should have a chance to get a few more."
While Jones has made his mark mainly on defense, he also has to stay prepared for when he's needed at wide receiver. With Lufkin's depth at receiver, Outlaw has preferred to have him stay on the defensive side to have a bigger impact.
He saw some playing time on offense this season when Quinn Trimble missed a few games with an injury.
He has a 10-yard reception to his credit this season, and he said he would stay ready in case he is called upon to help the Lufkin offense.
"I still practice some with the receivers," Jones said. "If anyone goes down, I'm staying prepared. It was about this time last year that I moved to defense. So I'll be ready for whatever they ask me to do."
But for now, his main focus is on stopping opposing receivers from his cornerback position.
"There's some pressure on you there because if you miss a play, they strike up the band," Jones said. "You've got to have confidence that no one can run by you. If you don't think you can stop them, then you're probably not going to."
