Stewart making plays

Southern receiver Jua-morris Stewart couldn’t have written the script any better if he tried.
Six games into his first season as a starter, Stewart has been the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s most productive receiver with 34 receptions for 499 yards and six touchdowns. He’s also averaging 99.8 yards per game.
“He has great athletic ability,” said SU quarterback Bryant Lee. “He makes some good moves on the ball and is able to get open.”
In 10 games last year Stewart had only 23 receptions for 237 yards and one touchdown.
But with the absence left by former Jaguar standout Gerard Landry who completed his playing career last season, the 6-foot-3, 195-pound former Southern Miss transfer is coming into his own.
“I just try to come out every game and play hard,” Stewart said. “The only difference from last year is my role. I play a much bigger role now.”
Combined with Stewart, Lee helps round off a potent receiver-quarterback duo going 109-for-164 for 1227 yards and 11 touchdowns with four interceptions. And Lee’s 245.4 yards per game average leads the SWAC.
“They’ve got some chem-istry going together,” SU offensive coordinator Mark Orlando said. “They’ve been working hard and it’s paying off on the football field.”
Stewart also has three two touchdown games with his latest coming in SU’s 35-28 victory at defending SWAC champion Jackson State. Stewart caught eight balls for a career-high 179 yards and two first half touchdowns. The junior from Baton Rouge also had a big catch on a third-and-3, when Lee went to him on a curl route for an 11-yard completion, a first down at the JSU 26.
The timely reception set up sophomore Silas Gibbs’ first down game clinching touchdown dash on the ensuing play.
“He’s one of our top receivers,” Orlando said. “Every time we get single coverage on him, we’re going to go to him.”
And when Stewart’s been doubled, receivers Corderious Gregory (10 receptions, 135 yards, one touchdown) and Del Roberts (22 receptions, 203 yards, two touchdowns) have stepped up.
“Whether it’s me getting two touchdowns or someone else stepping up, we just play hard,” Stewart said. “Each week anyone of us can carry the team. We take that upon ourselves.”