Independence’s Jayden Jones is The Observer’s high school football player of the week again

Independence High School’s Jayden Jones is The Observer’s high school football player of the week.

Jones is the first player this season to win the award twice.

Jones won a reader’s vote after rushing 26 times for 282 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-34 win over rival Butler on Nov. 1. In the same game, Jones had two catches for five yards and 84 yards in kickoff returns. He finished with 371 yards total offense.

Jones also won the award in September, when he ran for 211 yards and three touchdowns against South Mecklenburg.

As a sophomore, Jones ran for 1,830 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the Patriots to the state semifinals. He did that in 15 games.

Heading into the Patriots’ first round NCHSAA playoff game at Mount Tabor, Independence is 9-1. Jones has run for 2,066 yards and 25 touchdowns. That ranks second in the state behind White Oak’s Tareavion Mageo (2,095 yards).

“He’s just a lot better,” Independence coach D.J. McFadden said. “His maturity is starting to show. I’m looking at him in practice running around and making sure guys are doing what they’re supposed to do, and he’s gotten better at picking his spots. We teach our backs to be physical but also to be smart, to know when enough is enough and to get down. He’s also taking better care of his body. “I think he’s got a future well beyond high school and he’s actually starting to take heed of that.”

Previous winners

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Week 1: Carson Clutter, Charlotte Latin

Week 2: Sean Brady, Hough

Week 3: Fernando Zelaya, Olympic

Week 4: Cameron Cyr, Hough

Week 5: Jayden Jones, Independence

Week 6: Cameron Johnson, Corvian Community

Week 7: Titus Ivory, Charlotte Latin

Week 8: Noah Best, Corvian Community

Week 9: Trey Blakeney, Hough

Week 10: Ziere Brooks, Chambers

Week 11: Jayden Jones, Independence