Jae DeShields made headlines with his leg last week.
The Bridgeton High School senior kicked a 51-yard field goal - the longest in Cape-Atlantic League history - in the second quarter as the Bulldogs beat Buena Regional 20-17 last Friday.
DeShields also kicked a 33-yard field goal in the second half to break the tie.
DeShields' previous longest field goal was 47 yards. He broke the CAL record of 49 set by Millville's Harry Montero in 1993 and equaled by Lower Cape May's Ron Halbruner in 2002.
Despite his prowess as a kicker, the 6-foot-1, 181-pound DeShields still describes himself as a wide receiver and defensive back who just happens to kick. He has caught three touchdown passes this season.
DeShields is the son of Warren DeShields, who was a standout athlete at Bridgeton in the early 1990s.
Warren is now an assistant coach with the Bridgeton football team and the head coach of the Bulldogs boys and track and field team.
Bridgeton (2-2) plays at Lower Cape May (3-0) at 7 p.m. today. The winner gets a boost toward the playoffs.
On the 51-yard field goal: When we first lined up for the kick, it looked close. I heard the dude over the loudspeaker say it was 51 yards. I started questioning the kick then. I was like, "I don't think I could make this." But the holder just put it on the tee, and I kicked it through.
It was the best feeling ever. I was speechless.
On how he became a kicker: It goes back to midget leagues. My coach found out I used to play soccer. He started training me to be a kicker, and it just worked out.
On having his dad as an assistant coach: The past four years I've gotten used to it. Everybody says you just start because your dad is the coach. I don't talk back. I just show them on the field why I start.
On keeping alive the family legacy of succeeding at Bridgeton in sports: It feels good. I'm known in Bridgeton for sports. I hear people say, "You're the DeShields kid." That feels good.
On Bridgeton traditionally having a football roster with fewer players than opposing teams: We just put the best 11 on the field, and we know we can go toe-to-toe with anybody.
On what he does to relax: Every weekend I just chill with my friends. We just hang out.
On his track and field career: I'm a track guy. It's my favorite sport. I think I excel more in track. I made it to the Meet of Champions last year as a junior in the 110 (meter) hurdles.
On his first name: I was named after Jalen Rose (professional basketball player and standout with the University of Michigan in the early 1990s). I guess my father liked him.
On a typical day at Bridgeton: I'm just a relaxed dude. I go through the day, focusing on my schoolwork and focusing on what I have to do at the end of the day.
As told to Michael McGarry
