The Jones Senior football team huddles during Tuesday’s Midnight Madness practice. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

TRENTON — Ironman football was played under the lights Tuesday night.

Jones Senior held a Midnight Madness practice, going through plays and contact drills until nearly 2 a.m., Wednesday. Trojans’ guard and linebacker Michael Taylor said it was something the team was excited about and ready to be a part of.

“It’s fun and it gets everyone hype throughout the day,” Taylor said. “Some guys might get a little nervous, but it’s OK as long as they’re not scared. It shows us who’s ready to hit and who’s ready to play.”

Center and defensive tackle Aaron Marshburn had similar sentiments.

“It’s the most exciting time of the year,” he said. “Once it’s time to hit, it’s on. I love football — it’s my life.”

Jones Senior’s first-year football coach Tyler Hale said the added benefit of Midnight Madness was bringing the team together for fellowship and to build chemistry amidst practices.

 “We started off at 5 p.m. (and) had a three-hour practice,” Hale said. “We came out (to the field) first and worked a little bit in the heat, (then) took them in the weight room and had about an hour workout. After that, we had about a four-hour gap til midnight practice and in between that we did team-building stuff to get acquainted with each other.

“Most of these guys haven’t played football—I’ve got maybe three or four guys with actual varsity experience — and my thing is as long as they can build some chemistry I think they’ll be alright.”

Jones Senior will hold a scrimmage against West Carteret Saturday, and Hale said the team is feeling stronger, even with low numbers.

“We had a very good night,” Hale said. “We have 15 guys, but they showed heart, they got after it (and) I was proud.”