Benicia’s Thomas Jouvenot-Sells Shines in Victory Over Northgate

The Benicia High School Panthers celebrated a thrilling victory over Northgate with senior running back Thomas Jouvenot-Sells playing a pivotal role in the game. Jouvenot-Sells showcased his skills by rushing for 159 yards on just nine carries and scoring three touchdowns, leading his team to a 45-35 win on Friday night.

With the guidance of head coach C.J. Anderson, who took the reins of the program last summer, Jouvenot-Sells has transformed his playing style. He reflected on his growth, saying, “Previously when I got a handoff I would just run with the ball. I didn’t read defenses at all. Now I read defenses. I have better footwork. I know when to hit the holes hard and when to be patient.”

During the game, those holes seemed remarkably expansive. Jouvenot-Sells’ first touchdown covered 62 yards, followed by a 19-yard score and a decisive 54-yard touchdown that sealed the game with approximately three minutes remaining. He acknowledged the crucial role of his offensive line, stating, “I have to give credit to my offensive line — I can only be as good as they are.”

The senior’s performance was not only a testament to his talent but also to the strategic changes implemented by the coaching staff. Jouvenot-Sells highlighted a specific play that had been practiced throughout the week, expressing his satisfaction with the execution: “We worked on if there was an outside run we would do a cutback and on that play the cutback was wide open.”

Coach Anderson’s Impact

C.J. Anderson, a former NFL running back who helped the Denver Broncos secure a Super Bowl championship in 2016, is credited with enhancing the players’ skills. Jouvenot-Sells expressed enthusiasm about learning from Anderson, saying, “I was going to learn from one of the best.”

Anderson, reflecting on Jouvenot-Sells and teammate Anthony Jordan, noted, “I knew that I had two horses in the stable I could go to. But I also wondered why they were both not being utilized more. That was going to change.” He emphasized the role of his coaching staff in developing the players, stating, “We have a large staff… not every high school has the large staff we have.”

The benefits of a dedicated coaching team are significant. Anderson explained that while he had limited time with his own coach in high school, the current staff can offer focused attention, improving the development of the running backs throughout their practices.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Jouvenot-Sells has shown academic promise. Anderson noted, “Yeah, he’s got something like a 3.8 GPA. He was a future of playing somewhere like the Ivy League.” The coach mentioned that if Jouvenot-Sells maintains his grades, he has potential opportunities at prestigious institutions like Harvard. “Ultimately, that’s what you want for the kids more than wins and losses,” Anderson added.

Emotional Senior Season

With this being his final high school season, Jouvenot-Sells is cherishing every moment on the field. “I think playing is more emotional this year,” he said. “My football teammates are more than just my teammates now. I consider them my brothers. So I’m not sad this is my last year. I’m just enjoying playing with my brothers.”

As the season progresses, Jouvenot-Sells aims to continue making significant contributions to his team while also focusing on his academic success. His journey reflects not just his athletic talent but also the supportive environment fostered by coaches and teammates at Benicia High School.

In addition to Jouvenot-Sells’ standout performance, other notable athletes across various sports also made headlines this week. Heena Bharti from Bethel girls tennis improved her record to 6-4 with two victories at No. 1 singles. In American Canyon football, Webster Burks contributed two receiving touchdowns in a win over Petaluma. Meanwhile, Elijah Peace from Vallejo High scored through an interception return, rushing, and receiving plays, showcasing the diverse talent present in local high school sports.

As the season unfolds, fans can look forward to more exciting performances from Jouvenot-Sells and his peers, who continue to inspire both on and off the field.