Jones, who most people call Drew, is a marked man for rival defenses. His quickness, foot skills and ability to maneuver through traffic can potentially turn each possession into a must-see moment.<\/p>\n
One L-L coach said Jones is the best player in the league. CV defender Caleb Whetzel said trying to stop No. 7 in practice is not his favorite task.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome players you want to get close to and make sure they can\u2019t turn,\u201d Whetzel said. \u201cSome you want to give some space because they will turn you. He does both.\u201d<\/p>\n
Whetzel usually chooses to give Jones the space. But the back concedes that\u2019s far from a foolproof plan.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no one way to defend him,\u201d Whetzel said. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to be by yourself. You can\u2019t defend him as one person. You\u2019ve got to work with other people.\u201d<\/p>\n
CV finished second to Cocalico in Section Two, reached the L-L semifinals<\/a> and qualified for the District Three Class 4A playoffs last season.<\/p>\n Jones\u2019 presence at either striker or the wing is one reason the Buckskins have a chance to repeat those achievements. Or win Section Two themselves.<\/p>\n Hartlaub said Jones has matured as a leader since making his varsity debut and scoring on a memorable header against Manheim Township as a freshman.<\/p>\n Jones was a Section One second team all-star as a sophomore, when CV tussled with Warwick, Hempfield and Township twice a season. He was a first team pick in Section Two as a junior.<\/p>\n The Lancaster FC member is an all-state candidate and \u201ca major threat,\u201d according to his coach.<\/p>\n \u201cHe has a good touch,\u201d Hartlaub said. \u201cHe passes the ball really well. But his 1v1 moves and his ability to elude defenders is something, as much as coaches want to teach it, that\u2019s innate.\u201d<\/p>\n Part of the beauty of soccer is it rewards skill and guile as much as size and strength. That\u2019s how Jones has managed to overcome the big, physical center backs who try to stop him.<\/p>\n If the senior gets a free kick within 30 yards, he can provide some magic.<\/p>\n \u201cSome people, you think there\u2019s a very small chance it goes in,\u201d Whetzel said. \u201cWith Drew, you think there\u2019s a pretty good chance it goes in. It\u2019s always fun to watch those shots.\u201d<\/p>\n Jones started playing at the rec level at age 5. What was a fun activity became a passion as his childhood progressed. He started playing club and became one of the top players by middle school.<\/p>\n The pitch fit CV\u2019s striker perfectly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my quiet place,\u201d Jones said. \u201cWhen I\u2019m on the field, everything turns off. There\u2019s no stress on me. It\u2019s a place where I can just play and be free.\u201d<\/p>\n CV\u2019s little guy will loom large in the L-L during the coming weeks.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope his senior year is his best year,\u201d Hartlaub said. \u201cThat would be tremendous for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n VIDEO: Scenes from L-L Boys & Girls Soccer Media Day 2025 <\/p>\n
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