Polk County Football Week 3 Offensive MVP: Jerome Arius

Jerome Arius
#H8ME6ROWNTAL3NT

Late in the fourth quarter of Winter Haven’s home opener against Ridge Community, it looked like Jerome Arius and the Blue Devils would have to go to overtime to win their first home game of the season. The game was tied at 21 and there were only 54 seconds left. But as the Ridge Community Bolts set up to punt the ball and end regulation, Arius had other ideas.

“I was saying to myself we need a touchdown,” he said. “So I was thinking to myself if they kicked it to me I was going to make a big play.”

He did. From midfield, he returned the punt all the way for what became the game-winning touchdown. The punt return, and an outstanding offensive performance made him the Polk County Football: Week 3 Offensive MVP.

“I’ve been playing football since I was like six or seven,” he said. “And I started to take the game serious when I realized I could be somebody instead of doing nothing.”

Arius’ punt return wasn’t his only big play; it wasn’t even his only big return. The running back worked alongside running partner Ja’Veon Marlow and quarterback William Tate to provide a rushing attack that kept the Bolts guessing.

Arius talked up his teammates after the Blue Devils win, including Tate and Week 3 Defensive MVP Timothy Lowery.

“All of my teammates are very encouraging,” he said. “We have ups and we have downs but pick each other up always. Tate is one of those teammates that leads us through it all. He’s a leader. Tim Lowery is great and always willing to put in the work that’s needed. I’m working very hard just like the rest.”

Check out Arius’ film at: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/4103478/jerome-arius

The Polk County Football “Run 863” t-shirt is available in your favorite Polk County High School colors. Purchase yours at: https://squareup.com/store/h2athletes/item/run?t=modal-em%3Ft%3Dmodal-em

Writer – James Bennett, Jr.
Photographer – Cameraman Hasani
Polk County Football #GOWPolk
Week Three – Ridge Community at Winter Haven Offensive MVP
Jerome Arius – Winter Haven Blue Devils