by Katy Ruth Camp
krcamp@mdjonline.com

WEST COBB – When the Dominion Christian High School Knights took the field last night to play the school’s first football game ever, they were led by two very different men. One was on the field, blowing a whistle and calling the plays. The other was in the bleachers, joining the cheerleader’s chants as he took in the school spirit he helped to create.

The man on the field was Javier Jenkins, the team’s head coach. He’s also the school’s track coach, and dean of discipline. He teaches algebra, and advises the Fellowship of Christian Athletes club.

He grew up just outside New York City, and said as a kid, his fists were constantly clenched, ready to make their next impact in his never-ending cycle of fights.

“I was put in a Christian school not because I was that great of a Christian, but because I needed it,” Jenkins said. “I didn’t really find Christ until I was playing ball in college. My focus became clearer, my grades went up, and I just realized that it was God working through football to change me, not that football alone was my savior. I want the kids to do this for the glory of Christ, to help them understand that they’re here for a reason. I’ve prayed for a football team here for ten years.”

In the stands was the school’s headmaster, Joe Bradley. The well-spoken former businessman who grew up in Colorado Springs joined the school’s administration in April 2007.

He and his wife and had just moved to Arizona to be closer to her family when he got the call about Dominion’s opening.

“Almost as I was unloading our last box, I got a call from my headhunter that this job had opened up. I interviewed, loved the school, loved the people, and knew this is where I needed to be. The housing market is just as bad there as it is anywhere, but our house in Phoenix sold in four days. Everything just fell into place, like it was God’s plan that I be here.”

Dominion Christian High School has 220 students in grades 9 through 12. The school is on Burnt Hickory Road in west Cobb, near Harrison High School.

And after visiting with Jenkins and Mike Gold, the school’s athletics director, Bradley knew something was missing.

“I saw immediately that a football program was needed,” Bradley said. “Playing different sports as I grew up played a huge role in my success, and I knew a team could do the same for these kids.”

“Being involved in a sport in high school is pivotal in some kids’ lives. It teaches them how to relate to others, work together as a team, respond to authority, and challenge themselves. So I said, let’s put one together. Let’s do it,” Bradley said.

And from there, Coach Jenkins’ prayers have been answered.

“The team has brought a sense of unity to the players and school,” Jenkins said. “But, they’re learning. It’s one thing to desire having the team, but now with the two-a-days and spring and summer practices and those days where it’s so hot and they’re tired of running, now they see that it also takes a lot of work and heart to stick with it.”

“I want and expect them to play on a high level, and I’ll be truthful about their talent. If they want to play one position but I feel they would be better at another position, I’m going to tell them that. I’m going to be honest with them. And that’s one of the things this sport teaches you: not everything is going to go the way you want it to. You have to learn to play for Christ and for what’s best for the team, not yourself. I have goals for the team. I want them to be productive people on and off the field.”

Athletics Director Gold, who is also the head basketball coach, said that his general philosophy with athletics is based on Matthew 5:16.

“We teach the kids to be a testimony to Jesus Christ through the way they live, and to be the light that shines in the darkness,” Gold said. “Whether they’re on the field or staying in a hotel after a game, I want people to be able say, ‘Boy, there’s something different, there’s something special about that crowd.’ And that difference is Jesus Christ. Because if we’re not going to teach them that and be that light for them, who’s going to? But I tell you, Coach Jenkins certainly is.”

The football team is lead by four coaches, including Jenkins. The head coach said that four players have accepted Christ into their lives since joining the football team. One of those players is sophomore wide receiver, C.J. Fields.

“I was saved at camp, because I’ve seen what these coaches do for us and how God has changed their lives and that God is the reason for them being who they are,” Fields said. “I just felt a change in me from being around them and just felt compelled to make a change in my life, to become more Christ-like and to be the type of people they are.

Being involved in the football team has helped me to tell others about Christ, not just through what I say but what I do. It’s helped me to focus on keeping my grades up, too, because without good grades, I can’t play football.”

Dominion Christian is scheduled to play nine games this year, eight of those within the GFC (Glory for Christ) league. The team has the opportunity to play two additional games in the playoff system and a final championship game. Their first game Friday was against Curtis Baptist Christian School in Augusta. The team will play its home games at Harrison High School’s stadium when the Hoyas are away.