LED BY RUNNING BACK CALLEN HOUSTON, JONES TAKES DOWN OKLAHOMA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IN RAIN-DELAYED BOUT,
EDMOND — Callen Houston spent the better part of the past two years trying to show the rest of the state he belonged around Jones’ talent.
At 5 foot 11 and 160 pounds, he’s not physically imposing like star quarterback Brandon George or star receiver Sean Shaw. He doesn’t garner the recruiting attention.
“I’ve been here the whole time,” Houston said. “I can play.”
In a matter of seconds Friday night, he showed why opponents need to take notice moving forward.
He scored on Jones’ first offensive play of the season — a 76-yard run on a jet sweep — and ultimately finished with three touchdowns to lead the Longhorns to a 41-6 rout of Oklahoma Christian School.
Houston finished with 98 yards on three carries, scoring twice. He caught a 16-yard TD pass from George. He also played defense, returned two punts for 51 yards and two kickoffs for 19.
“If he wasn’t undersized, he’d be the best athlete in the state, no doubt,” George said. “He can literally do it all. He works so hard and he knows he’s undersized, but without him this team there’s a big hole empty.”
Jones’ offense piled up 498 total yards, only sputtering in the second quarter after lightning delayed the game for 1 hour, 21 minutes.
At the time, Jones led 20-0 after Houston scored on a 26-yard run. The extra-point attempt had to wait until after the delay.
On the two possessions following the delay, Shaw fumbled the ball away and the next drive ended on downs. But Jones scored on its first two possessions in the second half, including Houston’s TD reception.
“It’s some of those ups and downs that teach you to be in adverse situations,” Jones coach Dave Martin said. “We look at it that right now we have a very competitive non-district, but week by week we’ve got to get better and gain ground. I was glad we got to finish the game tonight for that reason.”
George had a strong night, completing 17 of 25 passes for 218 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 71 yards on nine carries.
The Longhorns’ defense limited OCS to 191 yards, 29 of which came on the ground.
The Saints scored a TD on a keeper by Mason Arnold with 2:38 remaining.