Allentown High School junior quarterback Jordan Winston and the Redbirds have only played two games so far this year, but it's already abundantly clear that the southpaw has become the new focal point of Allentown's offense.
ALLENTOWN -- Allentown High School junior quarterback Jordan Winston and the Redbirds have only played two games so far this year, but it's already abundantly clear that the southpaw has become the new focal point of Allentown's offense.
In Winston's first two games as Allentown's new signal-caller, the 5-foot-9, 165-pound junior has amassed 49 carries for 403 rushing yards (currently good for best in the state) and four touchdowns.
Most of that production occurred Friday during Allentown's 40-34 overtime win over Notre Dame. Winston rocked the Irish for 243 rushing yards and a trio of touchdowns (including the game-winner in OT) on 29 totes.
"We had to just block the middle linebacker, that was the objective," Winston told NJ Advance Media after the win. "First half, we didn't get it done, but in the second half, we made adjustments and we won the game. They were more hyped than us to start the game, and we took them lightly. But I told my team that I wasn't going to let us lose."
Winston certainly refused to let that happen.
After four grueling quarters of back-and-forth action that saw both teams put up 34 points, the game went into overtime. After Allentown stopped Notre Dame's offense, Winston and the Redbirds went back to work, ultimately delivering a game-winning drive that saw Winston score the game-ending touchdown from the 1-yard line.
"We needed a stop, and got a stop," said Winston, who also completed 7-of-13 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns during the barnburner. "Then we scored the touchdown. It is humongous for us."
"Humongous" also describes Winston's numerous contributions to the victory, which were not limited to the quarterback position and his five total touchdowns.
Winston also plays defensive back for the Redbirds (he racked up three tackles and an interception against Notre Dame). Oh yeah, he's Allentown's punter, too.
Whatever position Winston is playing, he's usually producing in a big way - and that applies to other sports as well. The junior is also a pitcher for Allentown's baseball team.
Can you guess if he's any good at that, too?
Here's a hint: the junior has already committed to Oklahoma State to play baseball.
Rich Cuccagna may be reached at rcuccagna@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RichCuccagna. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.