By JOHN D’ABRUZZO

jd’abruzzo@ncnewsonline.com

Flu-like symptoms stopped Bobby Jones at the worst possible time.

As the Laurel High football team prepared for a Big Seven Conference game with Neshannock during Week 4, the Spartans’ senior tailback tried to get healthy.

He ended up missing the game, but knew he’d do everything in his power not to miss another one.

“I was frustrated about missing that game,” Jones said. “It was something I had to live with and began working harder each week.”

Jones remained healthy the rest of the way and helped Laurel finish its season on a high note.

The 5-foot-9, 180-pound tailback/defensive back turned in a brilliant performance against Shenango on Friday night. Jones ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries to lead the Spartans (3-4 conference, 3-6 overall) to a 35-6 victory.

For his performance, Jones is Lawrence County’s Athlete of the Week, as selected by The New Castle News sports staff. The award is sponsored by Washington Centre Physical Therapy.

“Bobby ran the ball well and ... he refused to go down,” Spartans quarterback Tyler Forbes said following the Shenango game. “He picked his seams and blew it up.”

Jones had touchdown runs for 10, 5 and 2 yards.

“ We entered the game after some tough losses, so it was real nice for us to finish up with a big win,”Jones said. “The line was great. I wouldn’t want any other line.”

The Spartans were coming off losses to Monaca and Western Beaver.

“We struggled with running the ball this season,” Laurel coach Jerry Holzhauser said. “At times we were successful, while other times we weren’t. We faced some defenses that were strong against the run. I’m sure that can be frustrating for a running back.

“But Bobby worked hard and kept at it. It was nice to finish up with a great game.”

Laurel had three wins this season and each was separated by two losses.

“The other games, we played more like a one-half team,” Jones said. “We’d come out and play like a team in the first half and then didn’t play as well in the second half, and then we’d start getting frustrated with one another.”

Jones ranks fifth on the county rushing list with 565 yards on 126 carries. He also caught three passes for 64 yards and scored eight touchdowns this year.

“He’s more of an elusive back who can find holes and take advantage of them,” Holzhauser said. “He wasn’t a runner who ran people over; he found seams and took advantage of them.”

Jones began the season as the Spartans’ feature back after spending last season as a backup to Andy DeRosa. Jones had 135 yards on 43 carries in 2007.

“He’s progressed every year,” Holzhauser said. “He got better and worked hard in the weight room and was able to handle the physical punishment of being a tailback. He’s deceptively strong.”

Laurel failed to make the playoffs as Neshannock and Western Beaver earned victories to eliminate the Spartans.

“I’m pleased with how we played this year,” Jones said. “It would have been nice to win more, but you can’t win them all.”