– Senior linebacker Braylon Jones isn’t the most vocal leader that the Cecilia High Bulldogs have on the 2025 football team.
But his actions speak volumes, and the team’s returning standout is expecting to again be a key component on the defensive side of the ball when the Bulldogs take the field in defense of their 2024 Division II Non-Select state championship. Jones said the coaches expect him to “be a leader and make plays, someone that uplifts the defense.”
For Jones, leadership comes not only through words but also through actions, he said.
When he does speak, however, the team listens, head coach Cody Champagne said.
“He’s a quiet kid, but when he talks, the whole room shuts down,” Champagne said. “You’ve got to watch out for those guys because when he tries to get his point across, he gets it across.”
Jones has got lofty goals for himself and the team, coming off the second state title in school history and the first since 1994.
“Our team goals are obviously a championship,” he said. “We want to go back for a third time. My personal goal is first-team All-State.”
Getting back to New Orleans for the third straight season would be a big achievement for the team, he knows.
“It’s a big deal,” he said. “We did it last year but I want to be able to experience that (championship) two years back-to-back and my senior year. I want to leave on a good streak.”
Jones said he is working on improving his consistency this year as Cecilia prepares to open the season on Sept. 5 at St. Martinville.
His head coach expects another standout season from the senior.
“Jones is a three-year starter, almost a fouryear starter, for us,” Champagne said. “We’re looking for him to do great things.”
