Live Oak quarterback Cayden Jones and wide receiver Cash Davis just have to give each other the look on any given play.
And if Davis breaks open?
“It’s just wraps,” Davis said. “That’s what (Jones) does. He just throws it to me, and I make a play.”
The senior QB and junior WR have fueled a resurgent Eagles offense that is averaging 37 points per game through the first four games of the season. Live Oak is also 2–2 and 1-0 to begin District 5-5A play.
“(Davis) definitely makes my job a lot easier,” Jones said. “We know what each other likes.”
After averaging just 17.2 points per game and finishing 3-7 last season, the Eagles duo is determined to deliver the school its first winning season since 2019.
“It feels good to finally get some wins and start off 1-0 in district,” Jones said. “I can’t tell you the last time we did that.”
Jones and Davis began building their connection last season, even when a different quarterback was starting for Live Oak. It’s only gotten better with the two finally being able to show out on the field in games.
Davis has 33 receptions for 610 yards and six touchdowns. In a 55-28 win against Ponchatoula, he set two school single-game records with 226 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
The biggest change he’s seen in his game that has helped lead to his breakout junior campaign is a change in attitude.
“My mindset and what I do in the offseason separates me and what I do on the field,” Davis said.
With five games left in the regular season, Davis hopes to finish with 1,000 receiving yards, double-digit touchdowns and, most importantly, a deep playoff run.
Davis is continuing the legacy established by his father and older brother, both of whom were football standouts. He takes pride in that lineage, performing each week. His brother, Chris Davis Jr., also played receiver at Live Oak. Chris committed to South Alabama where he spent two seasons before he transferred to Coahoma Community College.
For Jones, his success has come from becoming more comfortable in the pocket. He’s able to sit back in the pocket and know exactly what he wants to do with the ball before he takes the snap.
“It makes things a whole lot easier for me,” Jones said. “Just calm back there. I’m not really worried about the stats or anything. It just happens.”
Although he’s not worried about numbers, his newfound confidence has led to 1,383 passing yards on a 68% completion percentage. Jones also has 11 passing touchdowns and has run for three more.
Against Ponchatoula, he also set two Live Oak single-game records with five passing touchdowns and 420 passing yards.
He’s been able to grow more confident in his ability to read defenses and understand what his receivers like. Jones also credited his offensive line for giving him a good pocket to make throws out of.
The duo has played with this Live Oak team for their entire high school careers. For Jones, he’s spent all four years with the Eagles, while this is Davis’ third season.
“It just feels good to finally be the big dog on campus,” Jones said, “and run the show around here.”
Getting to watch the two play every week is special for second-year head coach Randell Legette.
“It’s beautiful to witness on Friday night,” Legette said. “It’s just fun to watch them be able to execute and see that come to life.”
Their success doesn’t surprise Legette. He described the pair as great character kids and teammates. They deserve all the accomplishments they’ve earned so far this season, he added.
When Legette watches Davis play, the aspect that separates him from other athletes is his ability to play relaxed.
“Just his ability to not let the pressure of the situation get to him,” Legette said. “Still be able to execute. No doubt about it, he’s a talented kid.”
For Jones, Legette said he’s a really good high school football player. He’s played all over the field at defensive back, receiver, running back and now quarterback.
Playing multiple positions has helped Jones understand the game better.
“He’s smart, really athletic, and that separates him from other quarterbacks,” Legette said. “Hey, if something’s breaking down, Cayden Jones is going to make a play.”
As a coach, Legette is comfortable making certain calls because he can trust that if things break down, Jones can extend the play and be a problem for defenses.
The duo’s success is huge for the program’s culture. Legette and the coaching staff preach hard work and having the right mindset every day. Their big numbers each week are proof that the team is moving in the right direction.