The accolades keep coming for Modesto’s Craig Jones. He has been accepted to Stanford University and has accepted a “preferred” walk on status to the Cardinal football team. Now he is honored as his divisions Player of the Year. A Gamespeed athlete for six years he has wanted to be a Cardinal and has devoted all of his energies both athletically and academically to that end. This young man has an amazing work ethic and drive. Believe me he has other options with other schools (many Ivy League) but I admire his determination and desire to follow what he wants out of his career. I am proud to see all this come true for him and have no doubt I will see him on the field next year wearing a cardinal uniform. He is the epitomy of the “student -athlete”.
DIV Player of the Year: Craig Jones RB/LB, Central Catholic
Central Catholic was the top team in Division IV from the initial rankings all the way until it lost in the SJS Division IV semi-finals to Escalon. The Raiders saw Jones, a two way standout, perform his best down the stretch in being named the Division IV Player of the Year. As part of his 1,387 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns, the senior rushed for 646 yards and seven touchdowns over the final four games. Defensively, he had 79 total tackles, 3.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries. He was one of the better players in the Modesto area this year.