From back-up to area’s leading rusher, Washougal’s Royce Jones took opportunity and ran with it

WASHOUGAL — Royce Jones is living proof that it’s never too late to find your niche.

The Washougal senior entered this fall as one of the team’s starting receivers and cornerbacks on the depth chart, in addition to backup running back.

But it’s the latter position where Jones has emerged as a game-changer for the 2A Greater St. Helens League champion Panthers, bringing a physical, explosive and elusive style to the team’s backfield.

Despite starting the season in a fill-in role, Jones is now Southwest Washington’s leading rusher through eight weeks, with 1,198 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on the season.

“If you watch Royce,” Washougal coach Dave Hajek said, “his first three steps, once he gets the ball, he hits the hole so hard.”

Multiple injuries in Washougal’s offense pushed him