Lantana, FL.- As we enter the upcoming 2025 high school football season, one of Palm Beach County’s more familiar faces enters the final chapter of a very storied career.
Santaluces’ QB Jorris Shephard has had quite the journey since breaking out onto the scene in 2021 as an eighth grader. During his inaugural season at Jupiter Christian, Shephard led Palm Beach with over 2500 yards and 29 touchdowns, driving the Eagles to a 7-2 record ending in a 5th Place SSAA finish.
As that off-season progressed, Jorris would be honored as a Second- Team All County selection by the Palm Beach Post.
Jorris’ early success and hype surrounding his name would unfortunately vanish. Over the next three seasons, Jorris would bounce around schools across the 561 constantly competing in heated QB battles, fighting tooth and nail just for the opportunity to lead his squad on Fridays.
“Honestly, it was very hard for to go from one of the best starting QBs in the County to sitting the bench the very next season. It’s not what I expected.” Shephard stated. “Through all these ups and downs it was hard to stay the course and keep going. No matter how hard things got for me, I knew what I could do and I knew I just needed my chance.”
Finally, four years after his stand out eighth grade campaign, Jorris has that opportunity to remind everyone just how good he is. Shephard is headed into his second year at Santaluces, and is the clear undisputed QB1 for the first time in a long time. During his junior season, Jorris split time in a two QB set, throwing for 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Now that he’s solidified as QB1, Jorris wants to cement himself as one of the greats to come through our area. In his time under center, Jorris Shephard has thrown for over 4,700 yards and 53 touchdowns. Even with that impressive resume behind him, there are still many that doubt, but not for long.
“The biggest thing I am trying to prove is that I am the best QB in 561. For years everyone’s doubted my abilities as a Quarterback. I can’t wait to prove everybody wrong.”
As I concluded our interview, I asked Jorris to close his eyes, take a moment to think and reflect on his journey. Soak in those high highs and lonely lows. Think about every moment that has led to where we are today headed into his senior year.
“Since playing at JCS I have learned a lot. I have been playing varsity football for 5 years and been to a few different schools. Through all the ups and downs I have learned what works best for me and what doesn’t and what I need to do to succeed.” Jorris shared. “What I would tell younger me is no matter what, just keep your head up, shoulders back, trust God and keep working.”
The final chapter of Jorris Shephard’s career starts next Friday, August 15 as the Santaluces Chiefs travel to the Muck to face off against the Pahokee Blue Devils.
