Jones Senior Trojans Set to Return to 11-Man Football in 2025-26 Season
Jones Senior Trojans Set to Return to 11-Man Football in 2025-26 Season
TRENTON — After one year of 8-man football, Jones Senior High School is officially returning to 11-man football for the 2025 season. The decision was finalized during a recent Jones County Board of Education meeting, with school officials citing growth within the program and a renewed focus on long-term success.
The move marks a significant step forward for a program that transitioned to 8-man football in 2024 due to safety concerns and declining participation. Under head coach Stephen Perry, the Trojans posted a 2-7 record this past season, the program’s best winning percentage (22.2%) since the 2016-17 campaign.
Coach Perry, entering his second season at the helm, reflected on the decision in a text message.
"I was in favor of going to 8-man when asked during my interview and throughout the hiring process, even during the season," Perry said. "But taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, the games we won this year were against young programs with only 2-3 years of experience. With our sights set on returning to 11-man eventually, I would rather focus our efforts and attention on getting it right in 11-man."
Building Toward the Future
Perry highlighted the importance of continuity for players transitioning from the middle school level, where the team currently operates as an unofficial junior varsity squad.
"It’s hard for them to move up, learn, and play one style, then almost do a 180 the next," Perry said. "One of the initial arguments for going to 8-man was safety, but this year we had a roster of 29 and only two major injuries—a broken collarbone and a broken wrist—which shows we already played tougher."
The Trojans’ decision to return to 11-man football also aligns with the new conference alignment. Jones Senior and Northside-Pinetown remain the only 1A schools in a conference featuring 2A programs like Lejeune, Southside, Pamlico, and East Carteret.
"The biggest reason for me is looking at the new 8A alignment. With us remaining a 1A and our conference staying the same, teams like Tarboro are no longer a concern when looking at playoff matchup potentials," Perry added.
A Program on the Rise
The return to 11-man football signals a shift in confidence for a program that has faced its share of challenges. In 2024, the Trojans were part of a small group of N.C. High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) schools that opted for 8-man football due to low participation. However, the program saw promising growth during Perry’s first season, both in roster size and competitiveness.
The school district's renewed focus on youth and middle school football will play a key role in sustaining this momentum. Perry emphasized the importance of laying a strong foundation for the future.
"Our middle school program is vital," Perry said. "We need to ensure that players are ready and confident in the 11-man format by the time they move up to high school."
Looking Ahead
As the Trojans prepare to step back into the traditional 11-man format, they do so with optimism and a clearer vision for success.
"The past year has been a learning experience," Perry said. "We’ve shown that we can adapt, compete, and grow as a team. Now it’s time to focus on building something sustainable for the future."
With Coach Perry at the helm and a determined roster of players eager to make their mark, Jones Senior football is ready to tackle the next chapter of its storied history.
Stay tuned to Neuse News Sports for updates on Jones Senior’s progress and the upcoming 2025 season.
