Jones sets the tone
Citing ‘strong brotherhood,’ senior wide receiver says Wolves ready to bounce back
As a three-year starter for Michigan City, senior Kaydarious Jones recognizes the makings of a formidable team.
And the 5-foot-10, 160-pound wide receiver believes these Wolves fit that mold.
“This is by far one of the most explosive teams I’ve seen,” Jones said. “We have weapons all over the field.
“I feel like the chemistry’s better too. Off-the-field problems contributed last year. But we have a strong brotherhood here, and that’s the first thing. We have the connections first and also the tools.”
Indeed, Michigan City (4-6), ranked No. 8 in the preseason by the Post-Tribune, took a step back last season after consecutive Class 5A semistate appearances. Coach Phil Mason acknowledged it wasn’t a vintage performance.
“We know we got a little derailed last year by a few different things,” Mason said. “We had some kids lose focus. But we have a great core of kids, we’re obviously very skilled and we’re in a pretty good place right now.”
Jones, who had 41 catches for 491 yards and five touchdowns last season, takes pride in helping put the Wolves in that good place.
“It’s always my goal to be a leader whenever I can, in whatever situation I can,” he said. “I try to set an example. Coming up, I was looking for that person, and I want to be that person for the younger guys. I want to set the example for what the standard is.
“It’s always going hard in practice. Don’t take plays off. In warmups, no dropped balls — no one’s in front of you. Make the quarterback look good — catch anything that touches our hands.”
Junior quarterback Giovani Laurent returns, having gained valuable experience after completing 57 of 151 passes for 798 yards and 10 TDs and adding 290 yards rushing.
“I’m always behind Gio, no matter what,” Jones said. “But he has a different tenacity this season. He’s working his butt off. Even when he’s getting coached hard, he takes it. He’s just trying to get better.”
Standout senior tailback Jonathon Flemings also is back. He rushed for 1,098 yards and 11 TDs last season.
The Wolves have high expectations for senior wide receiver Esau Haynes. Basketball player Omarion Hatch, a junior, has joined the team as a running back, bringing explosiveness and athleticism, Mason said.
Michigan City typically doesn’t bring up freshmen, Mason said, but running back Jaden Hart has earned a spot.
Three-year starter Drake Adams,
a senior, anchors a younger offensive line.
“We’re very talented at the skill positions, so hopefully that will take some of the pressure off,” Mason said.
The Wolves also expect to be young, but physical, on defense. Junior Donnovin Linnenburger is part of the line, and the linebackers include senior Logan Dwornik and junior Hayden Dwornik.
“We’ve not a very deep team, but we believe it’s a very talented team,” Mason said. “We have a small group of seniors, but a lot of juniors, and the freshmen are really strong. The big picture looks really bright.”
Jones has been eager to demonstrate that.
“This team has a chip on our shoulder,” he said. “We know we’re better than what we showed last year.
“I feel like if we keep working and practicing like we’ve been, the sky’s the limit for this team. We have an unlimited amount of potential.”