In the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, the West Team was having trouble generating consistent offense as they found themselves in a 7-0 hole in the third quarter. That was until Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 running back Ja’Vain Reese decided to take matters in his own hands as he found the end zone on a 14 yard touchdown run to put the West Team on the scoreboard. That tying score ended up being a big difference in his team coming back and winning the bowl game.
“I saw that my team needed a spark, so I was trying to give them hope to keep their heads up. It felt amazing to score in the All-Star Game. It was a good experience to be in.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
Reese got a lot from the overall experience from the bowl game week not only how to approach situations on the field, but off the field as well.
“I was glad to learn that there are more ways to become a better athlete and how to perfect my craft.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
What was most impressive about that touchdown run was despite being hit in the backfield, Reese kept his balance, stayed on his feet, and found the way to get the ball across for pay dirt. Getting the ball across the goal line has been a consistent routine for the 5’7, 195 pound bruising running back.
“My biggest strengths are my blocking awareness and my hand eye coordination.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
This past season, Reese set the pace for what was a Cinderella season for the Northwest Raiders by rushing for a whopping 1,925 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2023. The 1st Team All-State running back led the Raiders on an improbable run as the #22 seed by defeating higher seeds Franklin Parish, Wossman, and Assumption to reach the semifinals for the first time in program history.
“I would say our commitment to the game and how we all love the game of football played a big part in this team making history.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
It was also Reese’s heroic performance against Assumption that helped the Raiders punch their ticket to the semifinals when he earned Gridiron Football Player of the Week honors with 176 yards and five touchdowns including the game winning two- point conversion.
“It was a very intense game and I love their energy and how they gave us a good competitive game.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
There is a lot to like about the Raiders’ Offensive MVP as he displays what it takes to a power back. Modeling his game after former Alabama and Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry, Reese’s powerful running style translates into the weight room as he bench presses 320 pounds, power cleans 230 pounds, and squats an impressive 520 pounds. Despite being known as a power runner, the Raiders’ productive runner has some nice speed as well as he runs a 4.66/40.
Surprisingly enough with a 2.6 GPA, Ja’Vain Reese has not yet received any offers, but he is hoping that colleges start pulling the trigger on him.
“I really want to play for any school that wants me. I could be a great help to their team in offense and special teams in blocking or receiving kicks.”
Northwest High School (Opelousas, LA) 2024 RB Ja’Vain Reese
Ja’Vain Reese just wants an opportunity to play at the next level and whether it has been for the Northwest Raiders or even the Team West team in the Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game, he has shown that his services will immediately help impact a team.
Read more about the 2023 Gridiron Football All-American Bowl Game and watch the full game below!
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