The Warren JFK senior even switched his jersey number in his brother’s honor.

By CHUCK HOUSTEAU

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

WARREN — Warren JFK High standout Jared Province remembers the sting of standing on the field in the waning seconds of a 28-7 loss to St. Henry’s in last year’s Division V state championship game at Canton’s Fawcett Stadium.

“We had never felt anything like that,” Province said. “It was so weird for us out on the field because we had not lost all year.

“It was tough.”

That experience wasn’t nearly as tough as the one the senior faced just nine months later when his older brother Josh suddenly passed away in his sleep on Aug. 19.

“That was devastating,” Province said. “Josh was a running back [at Lakeview High] just like me and I learned to play the game from him.”

Just prior to the season, Province switched his number to 20 in honor of his brother after having worn number 10 his first three seasons at JFK.

Province is still listed as number 10 in the Kennedy football program but his heart wears number 20.

“I’ve dedicated the season to him,” Province said.

Those two crushing events have motivated Province for his senior season.

His brother Josh would be proud of what Jared has already accomplished after only three games.

Six TD’s last week

Heading into Friday’s game with Elyria Catholic, Province has rushed for 216 yards and scored six touchdowns. He got all six in Kennedy’s win last week over Girard.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior also has caught seven passes for 98 yards and another score. Province also leads the Kennedy defense and has scored a touchdown on an interception return.

“What a kid,” said long-time Kennedy coach Tony Napolet. “Jared ranks right up there with any of the great players that have played [at Kennedy] in the past.

“Jared’s a leader. He’s a great player on both sides of the ball who’s only going to get better.

“The kids follow him because he a hard worker,” Napolet said. “He’s got a lot of ability and he’s got great speed.

“We love him here.”

Province said he loves playing at Kennedy and wants nothing more than having a chance for the Eagles to redeemed their tough loss from last year.

“We have a chance to be just as good if we keep working hard,” said Province who has some college offers because of his impressive 4.4 speed.

“We couldn’t finish the job last year.”

Many adversities

Province said that the Eagles have had to endure many adversities this year besides the death of his brother Josh and that will only make the team stronger.

It’s obvious that Province loves Kennedy football and his season will be one that he hopes makes Josh proud.

“He feeds off Kennedy football and we feed off Jared,” Napolet said. “His heart and soul is into this game.

“He’ll be a nice diamond in the rough for some college program.”

But now, Province focus is on keeping the memory of his brother Josh alive with his play this season.

“[Josh] would have loved to be here to see my last season.”