Football: Jarrett provides Cox with long-distance connection

VIRGINIA BEACH

Drew Jarrett grabbed a football and headed toward the kicking net behind Cox High School’s bench.

As the Falcons’ offense drove downfield, a young ball boy watched as Jarrett warmed up.

Three steps back, two to his left … then a loud “THWACK” as Jarrett kicked into the net.

“Dude!” the youngster said in amazement. “You can really kick that ball with some power.”

Jarrett, a senior, has been inspiring awe this season as he leaves his footprint on career field-goal leader boards for South Hampton Roads and the Virginia High School League.

His 25 career field goals are tied for first in South Hampton Roads and are fifth on the state’s all-time list. He owns two of the longest field goals in South Hampton Roads history, 54 and 50 yards.

Jarrett’s long-range leg on field goals, along with booming kickoffs and a per-punt average of nearly 40 yards have helped Cox clinch its first football playoff spot in the school’s 45 years. The Falcons (6-3) are idle this week before playing Bayside in their regular-season finale Oct. 31.

Jarrett “has just made a huge difference for us,” Cox coach Bill Stachelski said. “There are at least two games that could’ve gone the other way had we not had Drew.”
Jarrett has made an unlikely ascent to elite kicker. He played soccer, baseball and basketball, and ran track growing up.

“Soccer was always my favorite for a long time,” said Jarrett, who was born in Michigan and lived near Chicago before moving to Virginia Beach as a 10-year-old. “Soccer’s the first sport I remember playing.”

Jarrett was a wide receiver and running back in a Beach recreation league when as a 12-year-old his coach asked a fateful question: “Anybody know how to kick a field goal?”

Jarrett stepped forward, although he had kicked a football only a handful of times. Soon, he was kicking regularly, and his father Dave jumped on board.

Dave Jarrett, a high school and college soccer player, began trolling the Internet for advice on helping his son become a better kicker. He also called colleges, seeking out kicking coaches for advice.

A competitive athlete, Jarrett wrestled with a suggestion that arose more than once.

“They said do not play any other positions,” he said. “That’s driven me crazy for a couple years.”

But, Jarrett added, “once I made that decision I just ran with it.”

In his four-year career, Jarrett has become an integral part of Cox’s program. A team captain, Jarrett has made eight field goals this season, including 47-, 48- and 54-yarders. He has missed seven kicks, all from 40-plus yards, and a 60-yard attempt was blocked.

This summer, Jarrett made a 65-yarder.

“I have every confidence that anything from 50 and in he can make it,” Stachelski said.

For all his success, though, Jarrett faces the same dilemma as most kickers seeking a college scholarship. Many kickers are asked to walk on and then earn a scholarship.

Despite a No. 12 national ranking among kickers by one recruiting service, Jarrett’s only current scholarship offer is from James Madison. A host of schools — Kentucky, Michigan, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia — have shown interest.

That only motivates Jarrett, as does a chance to become South Hampton Roads’ all-time leading kicker. At 25 career field goals, he’s tied atop South Hampton Roads’ list with former Salem kicker Kevin Miller.

As he has climbed the list, Jarrett has called on another piece of advice.

“I learned a long time ago,” he said. “that you only worry about one kick at a time.”

Jami Frankenberry, (757) 446-2295, jami.frankenberry@pilotonline.com