How their future pans out on the gridiron as high school varsity football players remains to be seen but one thing is certain. The three players who played football for Jonesboro-Hodge Middle School this past fall have already made history.
On December 30th, Tyson Burks, Michael Malone, and Dylan Hayes ventured to Orange Beach, FL to take part in the inaugural Louisiana Gridiron Football Junior High All-American All-Star game as members of the West squad made up of top junior high athletes from all over the state of Louisiana. Also attending was the Jonesboro-Hodge High School head football coach who was an assistant for the West squad in the varsity contest. This marked the fourth time that Blankenship was chosen to be an assistant coach in the Bowl game that began in 2018.
“It was great to see these young men get a chance to perform on a stage like this,” reflected Blankenship. “They were able to get an opportunity that they will never forget and I am looking forward to them being a part of our program and making even more memories.”
The three not only got to compete on both the offensive and defensive squads for the West Junior High team, but they also enjoyed two dinners provided for the players, and a chance to visit the NFL “1 on 1” Performing Arts Center. Also before the contest, they attended a ceremony where they were each presented with a commemorative jersey and bowl ring.
In the varsity LA Gridiron Bowl game, Blankenship’s West team defeated the East 18-14.
