Jones returns to face Twisters

Published 12:21 am Saturday, June 23, 2007

SNOHOMISH – The imposing scars running down either side of LaMonte Jones’ right forearm look like matching zippers.

The af2 Everett Hawks wide receiver confidently flexed the forearm in question and flashed a smile.

“I’ve worked hard to get back,” Jones said. “I’m excited.”

Jones, who broke his arm in two places in an April 30 game at Tri-Cities, will make a surprise return to action today when the Hawks (3-7) host the Arkansas Twisters (7-3) in an arenafootball2 game at the Everett Events Center.

“The team is coming together, we’re ready to make a run and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Jones said. “These guys are like my family.”

Jones, who was named af2 Ironman of the year in 2006 when he played for Central Valley, caught 25 passes for 277 yards and six touchdowns in three-plus games for Everett before being injured.

Jones had surgery just days later and, although his return this season seemed uncertain, vowed to come back within eight weeks.

“This is a big boost for us,” Everett coach Cedric Walker said. “(Jones) is a guy who can stretch the field and gives us veteran leadership.”

Everett will need to use every weapon available – including red-hot rookie quarterback Jason Campbell and wide receiver Josh Richey, who is in the top three in af2 in receptions (89), touchdowns (27) and receiving yards (1,138) – to contend with the Twisters who advanced to the 2006 National Conference title game in John Gregory’s first full season as coach.

Arkansas quarterback Davon Vinson took over as the starter after Brian Villanueva (117-for-184, 35 touchdowns, seven interceptions) broke his foot in a May 17 game against Bossier-Shreveport. Villanueva’s status for today is uncertain.

Vinson (67-for-121, 18 TDs, nine interceptions) is not as effective as a passer, but has bedeviled defenses with his ability to sprint outside (134 yards rushing, four TDs).

“If the pass isn’t there (Vinson) can take it down and run with it,” Walker said. “We want to make him beat us with his arm and not his legs.”

Containing Vinson will be a top priority for Everett linebacker/wide receiver Phil Goodman.

“As soon as (Vinson) leaves that box he’s mine,” Goodman said. “I’m hungry and I’ll be on his heels.”

Opponents have had a difficult time getting to Vinson. Arkansas has allowed just eight quarterback sacks, which presents an interesting challenge for a Hawks’ defense that ranks No. 7 in af2 with 20 sacks.

Everett defensive end Johnny Jackson, tied with nose guard Chuck Jones for the team lead with 6.5 sacks, acknowledged the Twisters offensive line is solid.

“They’re big and they don’t make many mistakes,” Jackson said. “Still, I think we’re more athletic and faster.”

Opportunistic defense is a hallmark of Gregory’s teams and this year’s edition is no exception. The Twisters rank No. 3 in af2 with a turnover ratio of plus-1.90.

The Twisters lead the league with 26 pass interceptions and have returned four for touchdowns. Defensive back Pierre Thomas is No. 2 in af2 with eight picks. Jason Simpson, Tanner Varner and Kevin Williams have six interceptions apiece.

Goodman, who has 54 receptions for 625 yards and 14 TDs, is not overly concerned about the ball-hawking Arkansas secondary.

“J.C.’s taking care of the ball real well,” Goodman said of Campbell who in the last five games has thrown 37 touchdown passes with just five interceptions.

“We’ve got something to counter everything (Arkansas) might do,” Goodman added.

Of note

Campbell within reach of Baker records: In six starts – and significant playing time in the first four games as back-up – quarterback Jason Campbell has thrown 49 touchdown passes and today should break the team record of 51, set by current Tri-Cities quarterback Brian Baker who started nine games for Everett in 2006.

Kicker Part V: The Hawks this week signed former Portland State kicker Eric Azorr to replace Mike Kulish who was ineffective in three games. As a three-year starter for the Vikings (2004-2006), Azorr made 107 of 111 PAT attempts and knocked through 28 of 47 field goal attempts with a long boot of 49 yards.

X’s and O’s since LBJ: Arkansas’ John Gregory has coached football teams since Lyndon B. Johnson was President of the United States. In addition to being a former two-time Arena Football League coach of the year at Iowa (1995-1996) – as head man of the Barnstormers he signed an unknown quarterback named Kurt Warner – Gregory’s resume includes leading Saskatchewan to its first-ever Grey Cup championship in 1989.