Carson Jones of Providence Grove boots a 50-yard field goal against Asheboro. (Courtesy photo)
CLIMAX – Carson Jones of Providence Grove didn’t know kicking footballs for long distances would be so rewarding when he first became involved with the sport.
Now he wants more of it.
Long kicks have garnered attention for the junior specialist, who gives the Patriots another dimension on offense.
Earlier this season, he booted a 50-yard field goal at Asheboro.
“Those are kicks you really want to make,” Jones said.
Those came on top of a pair of field goals of 50-plus yards for the junior varsity last year against Trinity and East Davidson.
Providence Grove coach Mark Heilig said it’s a luxury having Jones available after the Patriots cross midfield.
“If we get to the 40-yard line going in, you can think about it,” Heilig said. “If we’re looking at a 55-yarder, I’m OK with that.”
Jones said he likes being an option for the Patriots.
“Coach trusts me and I appreciate that,” he said. “I hope he puts me out there.”
Jones said his comfort range is up to 58 yards in the right situations. Last year, he was on the field for kickoffs and handled some varsity place-kicking while sharing the role with then-senior Tucker Batten.
“I’m thankful I had someone to teach me the ways,” Jones said of Batten.
Jones was on a travel team for soccer as a freshman, but kicking for Providence Grove’s football team brought different feelings.
“I really started loving it,” he said. “I go to camps and all that. It’s not one of those things that I feel I have to do. I love to do it.”
Jones has made kicking a passion. He said he attended nine specialist camps during the football offseason and has been under the tutelage of Charlotte-based kicking guru Dan Orner, a former University of North Carolina standout.
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Friday night’s games involving area teams
Providence Grove at Southwestern Randolph
Trinity at Randleman
Eastern Randolph at Wheatmore
Asheboro at Ledford
