Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Priorities Set In Stone
PRAIRIE GROVE — Jack Stone wasn’t the primary target, in fact, the sophomore tight end wasn’t even supposed to run a route, but run he did and caught a touchdown pass.
Every score was crucial as Prairie Grove fell behind early and battled to catch up in a 49-32 loss to eventual state champion Nashville during the second-round of the 2014 state football playoffs.
“I wasn’t supposed to be running a route, but that’s what I did,” Stone says matter-of-factly.
He worked his way open and Tiger quarterback Ryan Morrell found him in the end zone for six.
Stone has been making plays ever since. The 2017 Prairie Grove graduate will attend Arkansas Tech on a football scholarship. He played his last high school game June 23 at the 2017 Arkansas High School Coaches Association All-Star football game at Estes Stadium on the University of Central Arkansas campus at Conway.
Over the summer Stone works in housing construction. Accustomed to laboring outside in the heat gave Stone an advantage during All-Star practices. Other players grumbled about temperatures in the River Valley, but not Stone.
“All these guys were saying, ‘it’s hot down here,’ but no problem. I’ve been outside in the heat all summer,” Stone said.
Stone recalled favorite moments from high school during an interview last week. He relished a role as vice president of the Prairie Grove Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
“I really enjoyed it, the relationships we built with all those people, especially the leadership team. We were all really close,” Stone said.
Morgan Walker was another officer. Zeke Laird served as recruiter and Riley Gerwig was secretary.
Stone’s favorite moment in sports was playing in the 2015 State 4A football championship game at Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium against Nashville.
“The whole week leading up to it, just being with my guys, that was awesome,” Stone said.
He is also delighted to continue his football career with an athletic scholarship to Arkansas Tech.
“I’m very blessed. I remember getting that phone call. I was at an ACT practice,” Stone said. “I smiled all the way back from Springdale. I’m so thankful to God for the opportunity and the coaches for sure.”
Stone’s high school teammate Isaac Disney also has a football scholarship to Arkansas Tech. He, too, was selected for the All-Star game, but chose not to play while coming back from a shoulder injury.
“I’m really excited for the familiar face. I’m excited for the relationship we get to continue,” Stone said. “I definitely missed him at the All-Star game. I hope he’s recovering well and I’ll be ready to go.”
Stone’s role models are his father, Scott Stone; and grandfather, Jim Stone.
“They are both good, Christian guys. They put their family first,” Stone said. “They are both really hard-working men, a good example you see it every day, not a once-in-awhile example. I get to see it lived out in front of me.”
Stone hasn’t settled on a major yet. He is interested in physical therapy or perhaps a career with Fish & Game.
“I enjoy hunting and fishing a lot,” Stone said. “Fishing is a big one to do with all of my buddies.”
Scott Stone explained his vision for his son’s life is that Jack would listen to the Lord and let the Lord lead him to where to go.
“That’s more important than football,” Scott Stone said. “I hope that he uses football as a platform to share his faith.”
Stone agrees. His favorite Bible verse is Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.
“That’s the important thing. You can go out there and be the greatest player and all that, but if you’re not making an impact for Christ, then it’s worthless.”