How do you follow up rushing for over 2,000 yards as a high school freshman? If you are Loyd Star sophomore running back Jordyn Kees, you just go out and do it again.

Kees was once again instant offense with the ball in his hands for the Hornets in 2024. In fitting fashion due to his excellent output, Kees has been named the 2024 Daily Leader All-Area Most Valuable Offensive Player.

In 2024, Kees carried the ball 242 times for 2,060 yards and 22 touchdowns. He averaged 8.5 yards per carry and 171 yards per game for head coach and Loyd Star play caller Adam Smith. 

A strong runner at 5-foot-10, 180-pounds, Kees battled injury and sickness early in the season, which had him ending the season with less carries than the 306 he had as a freshman.

He rushed for 254 yards in a season opening loss to Enterprise and then went for 278 yards in a Possum Bowl win over Bogue Chitto.

Kees saved perhaps his best for when Loyd Star (10-3) needed it most, as the Hornets trailed Mize at halftime of their MHSAA 2A second round playoff matchup. Kees helped lead Loyd Star to a stirring second half comeback in a game where he picked up 260 yards on 43 carries, scoring four touchdowns.

When a 2,000-yard season becomes the expectation, you know you’re getting to watch a special player under the Friday Night lights and that’s what Kees has been through his first two full seasons of varsity football.