By Rex Kirts
"There are good times, and there are bad times," Jarred Mason explained.
Obviously, South being 1-4 going into Friday's homecoming game against Lawrence Central is one of the bad times.
The good times are every down the 6-2, 230-pound senior gets to play at center for the Panthers.
Because every down he gets to hit somebody, gets to be physical in the great outdoors.
"There are good times, and there are bad times," Jarred Mason explained.
Obviously, South being 1-4 going into Friday's homecoming game against Lawrence Central is one of the bad times.
The good times are every down the 6-2, 230-pound senior gets to play at center for the Panthers.
Because every down he gets to hit somebody, gets to be physical in the great outdoors.
Jarred Mason
Mason understands that very well.
"Jarred is one of our more aggressive lineman," coach Kirk Kennedy said. "He understands what we are trying to do, and he has shown improvement throughout the course of the year."
Mason understands very well the kind of football Kennedy is trying to get the Panthers to play. It's run-dominated, smash-mouth football.
"I LOVE IT," Mason said. "His style is a big change. It's hard-nosed football, how it needs to be played."
Mason had always been a center until moved to guard last year. He's back in the middle now.
Coaches will tell you it's not important for offensive linemen to run quick 40-yard dash times. And Mason fits the mold because his 40 is in the 5.5 range.
But offensive linemen require a little bit of quickness with their feet and a love of contact, since they're going to get it every play. Mason's feet could be quicker, but his love of the action in the pit is sincere.
"Jarred's feet aren't the best, but he has a good mentality to play in the offensive line," Kennedy said. "He plays with a good effort."
How does Mason compensate for a lack of decent quickness?
"Hit 'em in the mouth," he grinned. "It's hit or be hit. Size doesn't really matter. I'd rather go against a big guy than someone who's quick.
"I HIT PEOPLE as hard as I can every play. Don't really leave a doubt. I love the first play of the game."
The Panthers began the season with about 45 healthy bodies. They're down to 35 now, after a few defections, some injuries and a dismissal. They've been nicknamed The Dirty Thirty.
Mason appreciates those who are still in uniform.
"If you don't want to be here, don't be here," he said. "Coach said all you need is 22 to play."
Well, 22 would be cutting it a bit thin, at least in 5A football when you're going against most schools bigger than you are.
Starting the season 1-4 isn't conducive to keeping spirits up, but the Panthers haven't gone in the tank. Keeping spirits up, according to Mason begins with a love of the game. Then going out and getting physical should be enough to get pumped up.
"Go out and hit people," he said. "You've got to keep positive. Hanging your heads is just going to lose more games.
THERE MAY BE ONLY 30 of us, but it's 30 of the toughest kids you're ever going to meet."
At the start of the season Mason was looking forward to winning a lot of football games. "But that's not going to work out." What he's looking forward to now is, "Beating Lawrence Central."
One game at a time.
Next year Mason, a 3.7 student, plans to attend Universal Technical Institute in Glendale, Ill. (near Chicago) to be a mechanic. "Then I want to get my masters so I can own my own business eventually.
"I've worked on cars all my life. I can rebuild motors." Jarren's older brother Dustin is a mechanic.
For hobbies, Mason loves to fish and hunt, ride 4-wheelers and play paint ball. "Basically, I can't stand to be inside," he said.
During football season he works weekends at the Firestone store.
