Madison Prep Chargers Senior Quarterback Ready To Adopt Larger Role In Hunt For Another State Title

by Jay Parker

A Cinderella story is the best way to describe the Madison Preparatory Chargers playoff run last season. They defied the odds as the nine seed to win their first state title in school history. Despite losing 21 seniors this offseason, Zeon Chriss, who as a 6'2, 200 pound quarterback, is returning as an important piece to the Charger’s offense. Chriss spoke on how much it meant to both himself and his team to beat the talented Union Parish High School football team led by Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 3A Outstanding Offensive Player Trey Holly.

“We lost to Union Parish the year before and took it personally," Chriss said. "We had a lot of pride in ourselves so we took the two weeks in preparation with the mindset that we have to win and have to put on a show.”

The Class 3A 1st team All-State quarterback had over 2,000 all-purpose yards and 40 touchdowns on a shortened season due to COVID–19. Chriss runs a true 4.4/40-yard dash and possess the ideal combination of arm strength and athleticism inside and outside the pocket. His biggest advancement last season that he looks to build upon next year is his leadership skills. He’s looking to inspire his teammates by encouraging them each day, praying for them, and building strong bonds. This was something he said separated his team above the rest last year.

“I have all the intangibles and ability to run and throw, but an important part of being a quarterback is being a leader and a field general," Chriss said. "It’s all about brotherhood and bringing everybody closer together. Once you bring everybody closer together, everybody is willing to fight for each other each and every down. You can have a lot of talent, but the mental part of the game is that when you play for each other you play harder.”

Chriss knows that leadership is needed for his team next season. Madison Prep graduated 21 seniors last fall leaving plenty of opportunity for upcoming athletes. Thankfully, returning with Chriss next season are two 1st team Louisiana Sportswriter Association players in 6’3” 280-pound offensive linemen Ronald Harris and 6’7” 270-pound defensive linemen Quency Wiggins. Senior leadership will be an important aspect for the Chargers in attempting to guide this young football team back to the state championship.

“There’s a few young guys coming up in the future, and you’ll be hearing their names soon," Chriss said. "Once they learn and evolve this summer into high school sports, they’ll pick up easily where we left off. Quency and Ronald play a big role on the team. As the leaders, we try to lead by example and lead vocally as we encourage the young guys to follow the same path and do the same thing we did last year.”

Chriss has eyes set on playing quarterback at the next level. He currently has 14 offers on the table in front of him. He has offers from a variety of schools, including Army and Air Force Military Academies, along with three Louisiana Division I FBS schools: University of Louisiana – Monroe, University of Louisiana – Lafayette, and Tulane University. His options are still open as Chriss trains with a full schedule this summer. During this offseason, Chriss has been training in California with quarterback coach Danny Hernandez. Hernandez has worked with top high school quarterbacks including Alabama quarterback Bryce Young.

Despite this past season being the school’s first state championship in football, Chriss is no stranger to being a champion as he has won state championships in basketball and track for Madison Prep. Chriss sees both sports as opportunities for him to learn and better his leadership skills on the football field.

“I’m always trying to lead on the court and track season as I always want to learn and grow," Chriss said.

Another state title is the goal for Chriss and his team next fall. Expect an exciting season from the Chargers this year and a Friday night show from All-State quarterback Zeon Chriss.

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My name is Jay Parker and I’m from Natchitoches, LA but live in Monroe Louisiana. I’m a senior Communication - Public relation major with a Business Administration minor at the University of Louisiana-Monroe. I currently serve as ULM’s Student Government Association Vice-President and am a member of Pi Kappa Alpha. I attended St. Mary’s high school in Natchitoches where I played football and baseball for 4 years. I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and 2 dogs Jordan and Pippen. I also enjoy all forms of competition from board games to softball games.