By Mark Bohannon, SAC Media Relations Office

This is the fourth in a series of articles for 2005-06 that will periodically feature student-athletes from the league's member institutions who have distinguished themselves.

Mars Hill College senior running back Antoine Jones rushed for a school-record 322 yards on October 8 in leading the Lions to a victory over Lenoir-Rhyne College. The rushing total is the second-highest in South Atlantic Conference history. He spoke recently with SAC Intern Mark Bohannon about his big game.

Q: Last weekend (Oct. 8), you ran for 322 yards on 33 carries against Lenoir-Rhyne. What was going through your mind as you continued to accumulate yard after yard?

The thing that Mars Hill's Antoine Jones (#4) enjoys most about SAC football is you know every team is going to put up a good fight. Every week it's another tough game. Photos courtesy Mars Hill College

A: I was just thinking about helping our team. I wanted to keep our team spirit up because the game was getting a little rough at times. Being the captain, I had to try and keep the team focused. I let them know that this game was far from over and we could definitely pull out a victory. I knew that if we wanted to win this one, we would have to fight hard, and I believe we did just that.

Q: How much help did your offensive line give you during the game? Did you treat them to anything special afterwards?

A: I let my offensive line know that I love them after every game. Regardless of whether we win or lose, I tell them that I am there for them. I also tell them not to get down if they mess up because we all make mistakes. It’s always great to get a win -- especially in opposing territory - and the offensive line did a fantastic job winning their battle.

Q: As of right now, you rank No. 23 in Rushing Yards per Game (115.3) and No. 27 in All Purpose Yards per Game (146.5) in all of Division II Football. What do these accomplishments mean to you?

A: I feel very blessed and humbled. It’s not just an accomplishment for me though; it’s an accomplishment for the entire Mars Hill football team. The guys up front do an excellent job blocking for me week after week as do the wide receivers, the fullbacks, etc. My statistics are a result of great team play, effort, and cooperation, and I am thankful to have these guys on the team with me.

Q: To go along with your astounding numbers thus far, you were also recognized as the Division II National Offensive Co-Player of the week. Please describe that honor for us.

A: It’s certainly a privilege to be recognized, but I can’t take credit for that. I just take the green light when I see green grass and try to take it home. I am incredibly fortunate to have solid work ethics and determination from the offensive line, the wide receivers, and the backs. Football is a team game, and I am blessed to have many team players in my corner.

Q: Mars Hill is currently sitting at 3-3 on the season with four games remaining on the schedule. What are the team’s expectations for the remainder of the season?

A: We know that from here on out, every game is a big game. We’ve played ourselves back into the race. Our team knows that we can’t look too far ahead. We have to focus on the task at hand and take things one game at a time, one play at a time. Concentrate on who’s in front of us this weekend so we can play our game. As long as we play our game, we know that we will be in the hunt at the end of the season.

Q: What do you enjoy most about playing in the South Atlantic Conference?

A: The thing I enjoy the most about the SAC is you know every team is going to put up a good fight. Every week we have to prepare for another tough game in the South Atlantic Conference. In the SAC, any team can beat any other team on any given day. There is some strong competition in this conference. You can’t just focus on a few SAC teams; you have to be aware of every team in the SAC because they all have the ability to beat you.

Q: Why did you choose to attend Mars Hill College?

A: When I first came to visit I had a chance to meet the coaching staff. That played a big role in my decision to come here because the coaching staff is without a doubt a cut above. I’m also on an athletic scholarship that Mars Hill has provided for me. Recruitment here at Mars Hill is fantastic, and I have great teammates fighting by my side. Overall, it seemed like a positive place to go to college.