After a heartbreaking end to the 2024 season, senior Jon Adams and the Chiefland Indians got their redemption in a dramatic 2025 season opener.
Chiefland’s playoff run last year was cut short by a loss to rival Williston — the same game in which Adams suffered a season-ending injury. This year’s opener provided a chance to turn the page, and Adams made the most of it, scoring three touchdowns, including the game-winner in double overtime, to lift the Indians to a one-point victory.
“It’s a really good rivalry, one where both teams respect each other a lot,” Adams said. “We prepared throughout the summer with the mentality of going hard for each and every play, and that’s what we did in the opener.”
The game went into two overtimes before Chiefland sealed the win. On fourth-and-goal, head coach Cliff Harrell informed the team that if they scored, they would go for two — win or lose.
“Coach told us before our second drive that when we score we were going for two and we were gonna end it right then,” Adams said. “He said, ‘Jon, you’re getting the ball and we are going home.’”
Adams broke several tackles before reaching across the goal line for the game-winning conversion. His teammates swarmed him moments later. For his efforts, Adams was named the UF Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Athlete of the Week.
“My athletic trainer Chuck Goodwin was with me every step of the way after I got hurt, I love that guy,” Adams said. “He put in so many extra hours helping me get back. He was always hyping me up. He gave me that extra push I needed, and I’m thankful for the hard work these athletic trainers provide for us.”
Though Adams is known for his offensive production, he still considers himself a defensive player at heart. The Louisville commit will play the LEO linebacker in college and said his love for defense started early.
“As a peewee player, I had to play defense because I was too big to play offense,” Adams said. “If I score five times in a game, I would still rather have a bunch of sacks and big hits. There’s nothing like putting your pads on someone and knocking them to the ground.”
Adams has been playing both ways for Chiefland for several years and admits fatigue can set in late in games, but he embraces the challenge.
“I grew up playing with these guys and we are a very close team, playing for each other,” he said. “It would be amazing to go out my senior year and get that state championship. My job this year is to be more of a vocal leader and help the younger guys understand what it takes to be successful.”
Before heading to Louisville, Adams plans to compete in football, basketball, and track during his senior year.
Each weekly winner of the Athlete of the Week award becomes eligible for the UF Health High School Athlete of the Year scholarship, a $2,500 prize awarded at the end of the 2025–26 academic year.