Jones is Scotties’ “once, always” coach

LA MESA —- Helix High School expects to maintain its legion of high-quality football coaches after naming Damaja Jones to lead the Scotties’ program following last week’s surprise resignation by Robbie Owens.

Jones, 39, served as defensive coordinator under Owens, as Helix returned to glory once again by capturing the CIF-San Diego Section Division I football championship this past fall.

Jones has been on the Highlanders’ staff since 2008.

As a player, Jones was an all-league linebacker at Helix, then played collegiately at San Jose State, where he served as team captain on the Spartans squad (8-4) which defeated New Mexico in the 2006 New Mexico Bowl, 20-12.

The contest featured a game-changing play by Jones, who recovered a fumble in his team’s end zone, returning it 57 yards into Lobos territory and preventing UNM from scoring the go-ahead touchdown late in the second quarter. He also had 10 tackles in the bowl game.

Although apparently in poorly-kept secret in Highlander football circles, director of athletics Damon Chase made the announcement to the returning players on Thursday.

Congratulations Coach Damaja pic.twitter.com/ktdvT8JbD9

— Helix Football (@HelixFootball) January 27, 2022

When it comes to job situations regarding Helix football, Chase told the squad, “We’ve opened it up in the past. The last two coaches– one from Florida, one from Colorado (Troy Starr and Owens, respectively) — obviously, (have) worked pretty well for us.

“But sometimes, your guy — your best guy — is right here on campus. I can’t be more proud than to introduce your new coach, coach Damaja Jones.”

Jones has served under the tenures of several Helix coaches, both varsity and junior varsity, climbing the ladder among some of the CIF San Diego Section’s winningest coaches. The list includes Gordon Wood, who owns the (highest winning percentage in section history; Jim Arnaiz, who still ranks among the Top 10 in career victories; and Donnie Van Hook, a two-time CIF Division I finalist.

Jones played under both Woods and Arnaiz, then later coached with Starr and Owens.

“I am honored to take this position,” Jones told his troops. “I went here, I love it here. This is where I want to be.

“We’re going to continue the tradition. ‘Once a Scottie, always a Scottie.'”

Following six seasons, Owens resigned with a 53-20 (.726) record, including an outstanding 11-5 mark in all postseason competition. Along with five Grossmont Hills League crowns, his ballclubs reached five section championship games — every year against the COVID-19 shortened campaign — and claimed three titles.

Owens will return to Florida to become defensive coordinator at Keiser University, an NAIA school in West Palm Beach.

“My goal is to be a head coach at the college level,” Owens told the San Diego Union-Tribune.