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John Stephen Jones Among Texas High School Football Players of the Year

Six high school football players have been recognized as Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Players of the Year, including one from North Texas.

Highland Park quarterback John Stephen Jones was among the winners that were honored during a banquet over the weekend at the Star in Frisco. Jones, the grandson of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and son of executive vice president Stephen Jones, helped lead the Scots to a second straight 5-A Division 1 state title after connecting with Cade Saustad for what would be the game-winning touchdown in the 53-49 win over Manvel last month at AT&T Stadium. Highland Park overcame a 10-point deficit with three minutes left in the game.

The senior finished the night with 564 yards passing and a total of five touchdowns (four passing, one receiving). The passing yardage and 58 passing attempts set a UIL state championship record. Jones finished the 2017 season with 4,911 yards passing and 61 touchdowns. He also ran for 377 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jones was named the District 15-5A Overall MVP.

Jones currently has college offers from Arkansas, Texas Tech and SMU. He also maintains a 3.6 GPA in the classroom.

“John Stephen excels in so many phases of the game,” said Highland Park head coach Randy Allen. “He was terrific as a junior and even better as a senior.  He plays with great confidence, turning bad plays into good plays.  It’s always exciting when he’s out there.” 

The six players were recognized during a banquet at the Star in Frisco over the weekend.

Player of the Year winners:

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Class 6-A: Tanner Mordecai, Sr., Quarterback, Waco Midway

Class 5-A: John Stephen Jones, Sr., Quarterback, Highland Park

Class 4-A: Keaontay Ingram, Sr., Running Back, Carthage

Class 3-A: Jackson Sampson, Sr., Quarterback, New Diana

Class 2-A: C.J. Horn, Sr., Quarterback, Tenaha

Private Schools: Grant Gunnell, Jr., Quarterback, Houston St. Pius X

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