Travezz Jones Shines in Morgan Park’s Championship Win

Morgan Park’s senior wide receiver, Travezz Jones, has a unique talent for finding open spaces on the field. Standing 5-foot-10 and weighing 165 pounds, Jones excels in timing and execution. ‘The ball was there, and I knew I had to help out my team and get us going,’ Jones explained. ‘That brought us all of the energy that we needed.’

Jones’ touchdown catch and subsequent 2-point conversion were pivotal in Morgan Park’s 24-14 comeback victory over Kenwood during the city championship at Lane Stadium, Chicago. Junior quarterback Ronald Smith Jr. delivered 14 completions out of 21 attempts, throwing for 181 yards and three touchdowns for Morgan Park, now with an 8-1 record. Junior wide receiver Jaxon Bland contributed with a touchdown catch and a 2-point conversion as well.

The opposing team, Kenwood Broncos, ended with a 6-3 record. Their junior quarterback Malachi Henigan threw a 78-yard touchdown pass to senior wide receiver Lawrence Carr and scored himself with a four-yard run. Morgan Park’s Jones caught five passes totaling 76 yards, standing out in the team.

“I’ve had him all four years, and he’s matured greatly,” said Morgan Park coach Chris James. “When we needed him the most, he really stepped up and made plays.”

Jones’ 27-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter erased Kenwood’s 14-8 halftime lead. ‘They made a mistake with no safety over the top,’ Smith noted. ‘We looked at each other, and we knew it was coming.’

Kenwood’s defense struggled to contain Jones’ speed and creativity. ‘My game is quick and physical, and they tried to unsettle me with talk,’ Jones remarked. ‘All that did was motivate me even more.’

Jones made a crucial 23-yard catch on third-and-19, setting up Bland’s decisive fourth-quarter touchdown. ‘The game is about confidence, and after my touchdown, I was ready to keep the offense strong,’ Jones commented.

Jones demonstrates versatility in offensive roles, often playing slot receiver where he’s both dangerous and effective. He considers his route running, ability to track the ball, and excellent hands as his top skills. ‘Each year, my role has grown, and now I feel like a central part of the offense,’ he said.

With a scholarship offer from Western Illinois, Jones aims to follow Morgan Park’s tradition of producing top college receivers. Influenced by his older cousins, he quickly found his role as a key playmaker. ‘My bigger cousins were a big influence, and since childhood, I realized my talent,’ Jones shared. ‘I was probably fully focused by age 7 or 8.’

Jones’ seamless connection with Smith and Bland enhances their on-field dynamics. He values his innate competitive drive. ‘That competitive part, I think, is something I was born with,’ he said. ‘When I touch the ball, I just do what I do best.’

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter.