PROFILES
STETSON BENNETT IV AND ERNEST JONES
Hometown
Champions
Southeast Georgia Communities Celebrate the Football Feats of
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Stetson Bennett IV and Ernest Jones
inutes after leading the Georgia Bulldogs to their National Championship victory over Alabama on January 10, Blackshear’s Stetson Bennett IV stood on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and referenced the area code in which so many of his family, friends and fans live. “912’s my home,” the Georgia quarterback told Savannah’s WJCL Channel 22. “I love all you guys.” Thirty-five days later, another local athlete, Waycross’s Ernest Jones, celebrated a football championship. The rookie linebacker was a key defensive contributor in the L.A. Rams’ thrilling 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Like Bennett, Jones gave a shout-out to his supporters in Southeast Georgia, writing on Facebook: “Waycross, Georgia. My home. I am truly speechless. The love and support is felt all the way here in California. From the bottom of my heart, I THANK each and everyone of you.” Ernest and Stetson certainly made their hometowns proud, and the Pierce and Ware County communities responded with an outpouring of gratitude and recognition. In Bennett’s case, Blackshear held a parade, which also honored his high school alma mater, the Pierce County Bears, and the 2020 state championship they brought home two seasons ago. Stetson also received a Key to the City from Blackshear Mayor Keith Brooks, who said, “We’re so proud of all your accomplishments and amazed at your perseverance. … It’s truly been a remarkable journey.” In Waycross, the city proclaimed February 11 “Ernest Jones Day” and signs celebrated Jones’s journey “From the Swamp to the Super Bowl” on businesses, streets and lawns all over town. Jones also received a parade in his honor, plus a rally at Waycross Middle School, with thousands of fans turning out for the March 12 festivities. Bennett and Jones have much in common. Off the field, they are humble and polite. On the field, they are ferocious competitors. From a young age, both dreamed of playing on the biggest stages, and overcame plenty of challenges to get there. In short, Stetson Bennett IV and Ernest Jones each has the heart of a champion.
Story By ALLEN ALLNOC H
SHOWCASING SHOWCASING THE THE REGION’S REGION’S PERSONALITY PERSONALITY
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