The bar has always been high for Freedom footballs Jenkins; thats where he likes it – lehighvalleylive.com

It was 2017 and Jared Jenkins stood on the field at J. Birney Crum Stadium after leading Freedom High Schools football team to victory over Allentown Central Catholic in his first varsity start.

Jenkins, a sophomore at the time, wasnt surprised. And Patriots coach Jason Roeder wasnt either.

We knew what we were getting with Jared before he even walked in the door here, Roeder said. He's been in our program for all these years. His dad (Earl) has been on the staff.

Its true. Roeder had high expectations for Jenkins from Day 1.

Now, after Jenkins has claimed every major passing record in program history, its probably safe to conclude those hopes have been fulfilled nicely.

But theres still work to be done.

Second-seeded Freedom (10-1) hosts third-seeded Parkland (9-2) 7 p.m. Friday during the District 11 Class 6A semifinals at Bethlehem Area School District Stadium.

Jenkins will have the same high standards for himself in the upcoming blockbuster playoff contest as he had in Allentown dozens of starts ago.

I always want to do the best I can for my teammates, the senior said. I feel like, with the coaches I have and the team around me, I can play a great game because they're always going to put me in spots to do that.

The seniors name is all over the Patriots record book. He holds the marks for career passing attempts (775), completions (450), yards (7,129) and touchdowns (69); season passing attempts (313), completions (160), yards (2,651) and touchdowns (29); and single-game completions (25), yards (426) and touchdowns (5).

Hes 136-for-196 with 2,207 yards and 23 touchdowns (5 INTs) this fall.

Even with all of those numbers and there are a boatload Roeders attention is on the effect that the QB has on his teammates and the leadership he displays.

To maintain that focus, of trying to get better every game, has been such a great example for the rest of our guys, Roeder said. He never got complacent; he never got caught up in reading his own headlines. He's been the consummate team player. He remained humble and coachable through all his successes. I think that just sets a great tone for the way we operate here.

Jenkins indicated that his decision-making has improved as a senior. But, his concern is also about the intangibles, rather than the statistical or mechanical.

You either have it or you don't, Jenkins said about the will to lead. I learned a little from the guys above me, but I had it in me All summer, I was there at every workout, always trying to push everyone. On the field, I'm keeping everyone composed and ready for the next play.

The quarterbacks cool head has been invaluable for Freedom, which has played in several nail-biters during Jenkins career.

He's such a smart football player, Roeder said. He understands what we're trying to accomplish on offense. He's quick to diagnose how a defense is trying to attack us. His composure, during a lot of high-pressure games over the years, really stands out.

Jenkins, whos also been a solid contributor for the Patriots wrestling team, has won 29 games over three seasons. A 30th victory would give Freedom a chance to claim its second consecutive District 11 title.

The Patriots, however, are confronted with a Parkland team thats won seven straight games and is stronger/healthier than the squad that Freedom beat 21-18 on Sept. 6.

It definitely is a different challenge, Jenkins said. Beating a team twice, in the EPC South, in one year is a hard task. We have to put a whole new game plan together to try to beat them in different ways.

It's a long time ago, but neither team is completely different, Roeder said. Obviously, you take a peek at that and factor it in, but you also look hard at what they've been doing well lately. I think you gear your game plan to what they've done more recently.

Its the fourth year in a row Freedom has met the Trojans in the regular season and playoffs.

They're physical on both sides of the ball. They do things well in all three aspects of the game. They come off the ball; they're balanced on offense; and they always play fantastic defense, Roeder said. It's going to be a typical Freedom-Parkland game.

Roeder consistently preaches growth. Parklands gains have been fairly evident. How much Freedom has progressed should be revealed on Friday night.

When you start playing teams a second time, you get some clear benchmarks to how you've improved, Roeder said. I think our team, like theirs, has evolved.

We've gotten better every week, Jenkins said. That Week 10 win (against Liberty) was huge for us for momentum going into the playoffs. Then, another big win over Emmaus last week (in the D-11 quarterfinals) I think we're going to be ready to go on Friday.

Jenkins, who said hes being patient with his college recruitment and waiting to see if his final tape will generate some offers, has been playing with most of his fellow seniors since they were dominant together in the Bethlehem Township Bulldogs youth program.

Its been awesome, the QB said. Ive made so many great relationships with players, coaches and families. Im just so blessed to be able to be here today with the games we have left. I just want to make the most of what we have left together.

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Kyle Craig may be reached at kcraig@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KyleCraigSports. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook.

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The bar has always been high for Freedom footballs Jenkins; thats where he likes it - lehighvalleylive.com