It wasn’t just the quantity of goals that made Northeast Jones forward Cole Sykes’ senior season stand out. It was the timely manner of his goals that made his year unforgettable.
“He scored some really big goals for us,” said Northeast Jones boys soccer coach Matt Reid. “You think about the game-winner in the playoffs against Ponotoc. He hit a header in overtime to win that game. He also had several hat tricks, including one against our rivals Laurel. He had a hat trick against Northeast Lauderdale too. He scored big time goals for us.”
Sykes finished the season with 30 goals total in 25 games played. He also aided Northeast Jones with three assists. His season totals are the second most recorded in Northeast Jones boys’ program history.
“I saw those moments on the field were our heads were down, and I wanted to get their spirits up,” said Sykes regarding his ability to score goals in key moments. “I wanted to get things lit and keep it going.”
Skyes, who wore number 15 jersey on the field, is Sports601’s Jones County Boys Soccer Player of the Year. Both POY awards this season went to players who wore No. 15 jerseys on the field. Northeast Jones girls senior Esmeralda Figueroa was named Sports601’s Jones County Girls Soccer Player of the Year on Tuesday afternoon.
Reid said Sykes success could be contributed to his competitive nature.
“Sykes is one of the biggest competitors I’ve ever coached,” Reid noted. “I wouldn’t say he possessed the purest soccer talent of anyone I’ve coached, but he is so athletic. He’s a warrior. He plays with a lot of heart and emotion. It bled over to the rest of the team.”
With Skyes at the helm, Northeast Jones boys advanced to its third-ever semifinal round appearance. They fell short, though, losing to Amory in the MHSAA Class 4A North State Championship game by a slim 1-0 margin.
“We started off good on the season,” said Sykes. “But then we hit a rough patch. We decided we were tired of going through it and pulled though. In the end, though, it just didn’t turn out the way we wanted it too.”
Nagging injuries didn’t stop Sykes from competing every game says his head coach.
“It was rare for him to need a sub [on the field],” Reid said. “He battled through some injuries this year. But even still, he plays with so much passion and heart. He’s by far the most passionate player I’ve coached, especially this year.”
Skyes will not play soccer at the next level, but it’s not because he didn’t receive quality offers.
“I’ve been playing varsity soccer for six years now,” Sykes said. “In the last few, I’ve shown and proven what I can do. But I’ve decided not to go to the next level.”
“It’s his decision to make,” said Reid. “He obviously had opportunities to play. He had offers from several different places, but for his reasons, he’s chosen to just go to school.”
