Jefferson CB, Chavez Pownell had one of the biggest plays in his high school football career last Friday Night. Versus longtime rival Hillsborough, with the game coming down to the final minutes and the Terriers driving to take the lead, Pownell jumped in front of a Dwayne Lawson (Hillsborough QB) pass and ran it in for a touchdown. The score pretty much sealed the game for the Jefferson Dragons and Pownell was the hero.

As the results of the game were in his favor, his recruitment is in question. Questions to why he is not getting recruited harder, has more offers and not considered one of the top corners in the state. Pownell is the 10th best CB prospect in our 4 county coverage area. He has legit speed, loose hips, super quick feet and most of all, he can cover. The main reason he is not a more popular prospect, his size. Major BCS schools hunt for the 5-11 or taller corners.

Pownell plays bigger than his frame. Standing around 5-10, Illinois State, Southern Illinois and Youngstown State have made it known he is tall enough to play for them by offering Pownell a scholarship. Pownell is grateful and hopeful more schools will notice his ability. “Hard-work gon pay off. Like the Bible says ‘If one refuses to work, he shall not eat’ –  2 Thessalonians 3:10. And I’ve been hungry and my whole team is hungry with me.”

This season Chavez is contributing on all sides of the ball. Primarily a defensive back, the senior CB has 21 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 pass break ups in 2 games. Add 7 catches for 216 receiving yards. “I’ve been waiting a long time to show that I’m a true athlete. Ever since Will Watson was here, reflecting back to his senior year as he played multiple positions to help us win games. I thought to myself, I want to be a better version of that guy! Now my time is here and I’m going to make the best of it. G.U.M.P – Great. Under. Major. Pressure.”