Panthers’ Thomas Jouvenot-Sells Shines with Three Touchdowns

Benicia High School senior Thomas Jouvenot-Sells delivered an impressive performance during a recent football game against Northgate, scoring three touchdowns and rushing for a remarkable 159 yards on just nine carries. His contributions were pivotal in securing a 45-35 victory for the Panthers.

Jouvenot-Sells has undergone a significant transformation under the guidance of head coach C.J. Anderson, who took charge of the program last summer. The running back noted the shift in his approach: “Previously when I got a handoff, I would just run with the ball. I didn’t read defenses at all. Now my tendencies are different. I read defenses, have better footwork, and know when to hit the holes hard or wait for them to open up.”

His standout performance against Northgate featured a 62-yard touchdown run, followed by scores of 19 and 54 yards. The latter sealed the game with approximately three minutes remaining. Jouvenot-Sells attributed much of his success to the offensive line, stating, “I can only be as good as they are. If I read my keys correctly and the line does its job, then I can do mine.”

Jouvenot-Sells expressed particular pride in his final touchdown, highlighting that it was a play they had practiced extensively throughout the week. “We worked on if there was an outside run, we would do a cutback, and on that play the cutback was wide open,” he said.

Anderson, who has experience as a running back in the NFL and was part of the Super Bowl-winning Denver Broncos in 2016, praised Jouvenot-Sells’ potential. He explained that he was eager to develop the talents of both Jouvenot-Sells and teammate Anthony Jordan, realizing they had not been utilized to their full potential in previous seasons. “That was going to change,” he remarked.

The head coach emphasized the impact of the entire coaching staff on Jouvenot-Sells’ development. “We have a large staff, and with all respect, not every high school has the resources we do,” Anderson noted. “In high school, I only got to work with my coach for maybe 20 minutes a practice. Here, we can spend all practice with the running backs.”

Anderson also highlighted Jouvenot-Sells’ academic achievements, noting he maintains a GPA of around 3.8. He believes that with continued dedication, Jouvenot-Sells could have opportunities to play at prestigious institutions like Harvard. “When I first told his parents about the possibility, they were shocked,” said Anderson. “Ultimately, you want your kids to get into college and get a degree, more than wins and losses.”

As Jouvenot-Sells approaches the end of his high school career, he reflects on the emotional significance of this season. “My football teammates are more than just my teammates now. I consider them my brothers,” he shared. “I’m just enjoying playing with my brothers.”

In addition to Jouvenot-Sells’ achievements, several other athletes are making their mark in local sports. Heena Bharti from Bethel girls tennis improved her record to 6-4 with two victories at No. 1 singles. Webster Burks of American Canyon football scored two touchdowns in a win over Petaluma, while Keilani Demas excelled in girls volleyball with 17 digs and 32 aces during the Pleasant Valley Tournament.

Each of these athletes exemplifies the dedication and skill that characterize high school sports, but Jouvenot-Sells’ remarkable development underlines the profound impact of coaching and teamwork in achieving success both on and off the field.