J'Sharlon Jones Sets Franchise Record

June 9, 2003 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Bakersfield Blitz News Release


(Bakersfield, CA) - J'Sharlon Jones of the Bakersfield Blitz broke the franchise's single season and career field goal return yards record with a 21-yard return in the third quarter against the Louisville Fire on Saturday night.

Jones came into the game needing two yards to surpass the mark of 175, set by Steve Wofford last season.

During the return Jones avoided the first tackler and turned up the left sideline for a 21-yard gain. He finished the night with career stats of 273 yards on twelve returns with one touchdown.

Said Jones: "I really wasn't even thinking about the record. I was just trying to make a play that would put our offense in a good position to score. I didn't even realize I broke the record until someone after the game told me."

Head Coach James Fuller was very excited after the game on Jones setting the record and the Blitz pushing their winning streak up to three.

"I'm very proud of J'Sharlon, he is a highly talented athlete who makes plays. You know that when you have him on the field he is always going to be around the football. This just goes to show what hard work and dedication can do for you. Breaking the record also helps carry the momentum down the second half stretch.."

Jones now needs only 125 more yards to break into the top-10 af2 regular season record book for most field goal return yards gained in a season. Anthony Stringfield, who recorded 320 yards on twenty-one returns in 2001 for the Norfolk Nighthawks, currently holds the tenth position.

"It's an honor to set a franchise record," said Jones. "This is only the team's second year in existence but the 2003 season isn't over yet. It's very rewarding to hold the record, but what I am really focused on right now is playing hard and trying to defend our West Division title so we can get back to the playoffs."



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