Jones High School Unveils Its First Football Team

Jones High School Unveils Its First Football Team

Jones High School, located in Chicago’s South Loop, is set to field its first football squad this month, marking a historic milestone for the institution. The program will be led by Frank Dickerson, a former player at Hope High School in Englewood and a longtime coach who now also serves as the school’s head of security.

Rather than jumping straight to the varsity level, the Eagles will begin as a junior‑varsity team, with their inaugural game slated for August 22 at Hersey. The limited experience among the players is offset by a summer workout that attracted nearly 40 participants, a promising sign as the school year kicks off.

Seniors such as Jaylen Trice, Shawn Slaughter and TJ Dumas are already shaping the culture of the new program. Trice spoke about creating a lasting legacy despite the junior‑varsity schedule, while Slaughter highlighted the mental toughness and perseverance he hopes to carry forward after graduation. Dumas, who joined for structure and discipline, said he had always wanted Jones to have a football program.

A Junior‑Varsity Start with Big Ambitions

Dickerson, who played at Hope High School before walking on at Illinois State University, submitted a five‑year plan to demonstrate his long‑term commitment. He notes that Jones was previously the largest Public League school without a football program, enrolling 1,912 students, and that the new team aims to build a foundation for future success.

The initiative is supported by Chicago Public Schools, which has partnered with Hope High School and maintains ties to Illinois State University. The collaboration underscores a broader effort to expand athletic opportunities across the district.