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Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson, front, center, signed a dual scholarship to play soccer and football at Jones Community College Wednesday. Pictured with Thompson are front row, from left, father John Michael Thompson, brother Yohan Thompson; back row, ACCS athletic director Richy Spears, ACCS assistant coach Matthew Freeman, ACCS football coach David King and ACCS soccer coach Jim Bob Allgood. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson hugs his father, John Michael Thompson, left, and brother Yohan Thompson after he signed a dual scholarship to play soccer and football at Jones Community College Wednesday. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson adjusts his hat after he signed a dual scholarship to play soccer and football at Jones Community College Wednesday. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson adjusts a soccer ball sitting in front of him Wednesday before signing scholarship papers to Jones Community College. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson high-fives ACCS soccer coach Jim Bob Allgood Wednesday before signing scholarship papers to Jones Community College. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School's Cris Thompson signed a dual scholarship to play soccer and football at Jones Community College Wednesday. (Ben Hillyer | The Natchez Democrat)

Adams County Christian School’s Cris Thompson signed just one set of papers Wednesday morning, but his future at Jones Community College will be split between two sports.

Thompson solidified the next step of his athletic career, signing his National Letter of Intent to play both football and soccer with the Bobcats in Ellisville come the fall.

Born in Costa Rica, Thompson and his brother, Yohan, thrived as soccer players. Following their moved to the United States in 2013 with their father, John Michael Thompson, the brothers began playing football at ACCS.

“Soccer has always been a part of me since I was born,” Cris Thompson said. “I’ve always enjoyed it — it’s what I love to do. I just happened to pick up football along the way, and this is where I’m at today.”

Thompson started to perfect his skills as a kicker for the Rebels during his freshman year. Since then, he fell in love with that, too.

“I obviously knew what my position would be,” he said. “I’ve worked hard at perfecting my craft ever since.”

Thompson became so good, he began to receive scholarship interests from multiple colleges through his senior football season. Including various offers from other junior colleges, Thompson had looks from Alcorn State University and McNeese State University.

But the one thing he was looking for, Thompson said, was the chance to play both sports. The major problem is that at the collegiate level, both football and soccer are played at the same time in the fall.

“All the coaches made a deal,” Thompson said. “We all agreed they would allow me to do both even though it’s going to be a lot of work — their whole seasons collide.

“They said that if that’s what I want to do, they would let me. I’m willing to do it, at least give it a shot.”

Thompson said though he knows scheduling will be an obstacle, he’s ready for the challenge.

“Of course it’s crossed my mind to think about how I’m going to fit in all the workouts,” he said. “But, I just feel like I can make it happen. I always find a way to do stuff the right way, so I’m going to try my best.”

For football, Thompson ended his senior year making 48-of-55 extra points. He said the Buckeyes have offered him a secure place as their kicker and will allow him to punt, too, as he often nailed them within the 20-yard line for the Rebels.

For soccer, Thompson said he is willing to do anything, but would love to play striker.

Ultimately, Thompson said Jones just feels like the right fit.

“Out of all the colleges I visited, they had to most to offer me,” he said. “When they had both soccer and football, I was pretty much sold.”

More importantly perhaps, Thompson will get the chance to do something he never thought he’d do.

“I always told myself I would never go to college,” he said. “I never really cared about it, but the opportunity presented itself and of course I took it. I love playing ball, and now that I know I’ll be playing in college I’m not nervous anymore.

“I’m just glad I’ve got these papers signed.”

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