Kneeling First: How Laurel Highlands’ Jonah Coleman Turned Faith into a Team Movement
By: Carrie Miner Yaple | SportzWire | October 30, 2025 | Photo courtesy Team Photo
Playing for an audience of One -
LAUREL HIGHLANDS, PA — Under the bright Friday night lights of Western Pennsylvania, it’s easy to get caught up in touchdowns, tackles, and the roar of the crowd. But for sophomore Jonah Coleman of Laurel Highlands High School, the most powerful moment of the game happens before the whistle ever blows — on his knees, in the end zone, talking to Jesus.
It started quietly. Week one of the 2025 season, as his team charged through the banner and cheerleaders hyping up the crowd, Jonah’s mom captured the moment on her cellphone — like any proud parent would. But she soon noticed something unusual. Jonah had broken away from the pack and sprinted down the field alone. Concerned, she zoomed in almost missing the moment on her phone, wondering if her son was hurt. Then she saw him kneel in the end zone, helmet off, head bowed.
Jonah wasn’t praying for victory. He was praying for protection, for his teammates, for himself, for his opponents — and that Jesus would be praised and known.
At first, he didn’t even realize he was alone. “It was just something God put on my heart,” Jonah said.
But others noticed — and followed.
By Week 2, a few teammates joined him. By Week 3, there were half a dozen. By Week 5, nearly the entire Laurel Highlands football team filled the end zone in prayer.
From a Spark to a Movement
Jonah’s simple act of faith soon went viral on social media, with people across the country — and even around the world — asking for "the prayer score," checking in each week to see how many players joined in.
The viral moment was never about fame for Jonah. “It’s about obedience. When you listen to God, He moves.”
His mom, who prays with him every Friday morning before school, said she’s been overwhelmed by the encouragement. “People tell me what a great kid he is, and he is,” she said. “But what I tell them is that he just listened to God and was obedient.” They give God all the glory.
Jonah also credits former Laurel Highlands football player Parker Hoff, a senior and leader from last season, for inspiring him. Parker was known for gathering teammates to pray before they took the field.
A Season of Challenges
The Mustangs’ season didn’t go the way they hoped. After a promising 2-0 start, injuries to key players — including the starting running back and senior quarterback — sent the team into a tough stretch. They finished the season 2-8.
Still, Jonah saw God at work through it all.
“We’re using this as a building block,” he said. “We’re going to become more of a brotherhood." Adversity truly shows character.
Jonah, who plays wide receiver, safety, and kick returner, finished the season with 2 interceptions, 2 receiving touchdowns, and through 9 games, more than 450 all-purpose yards. Not bad for someone who didn’t pick up a football until 7th grade.
“I think starting later actually helped me,” Jonah said. “I didn’t have bad habits to unlearn. I fell in love with the game.”
Faith First
Jonah’s relationship with Jesus began during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, even though he knew who Jesus was and had always gone to church. While watching The Jesus Story from Sight and Sound Theatre, he says, “It hit me — the sacrifice Jesus made.” It became real to him in that moment. That night, he asked his mom if he could be baptized. When their church reopened in July, both mother and son were baptized together.
“It was such a special moment,” his mom shared. “I was baptized first, and then I helped baptize Jonah.”
Jonah’s faith continues to grow at Faith Assembly Church in Uniontown, where he and his family are active members. His quiet witness on the football field has reached beyond the school — several teammates and even family members have attended church with him at times.
When asked who Jesus is to him, Jonah didn’t hesitate.“Jesus is the ultimate leader and teacher. He is the person that we should strive to become more like every day,” he said. Jonah also unashamedly declared Jesus as his Savior.
Jonah says his faith shapes everything — from the way he plays sports to the way he treats others. “I believe it’s important to show the outward part of your faith,” he said. “People might not remember our record in three years, but they’ll remember Jesus.”
And they do. Friends have started joining him at church, inspired by the consistency of his faith on and off the field. “I tell them, open your Bible — God will lead you,” Jonah said.
Beyond the Field
Jonah also plays basketball, a sport he’s loved all his life, but football has captured his heart. He hopes to continue playing in college while studying physical therapy.
“It’s not about D1, D2, or D3,” his parents reminds him. “It’s about doing what you're passionate about.”
Jonah looks up to Giants quarterback Jackson Dart for his faith and to Deion Sanders for his charisma and work ethic. And while he hasn’t thought much about going into ministry, his quiet leadership already speaks volumes. Whether he realizes it or not, he’s already doing ministry.
Jonah’s favorite verse sums it all up:
Proverbs 16:3 — “Commit your activities to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”
Through wins and losses, viral moments and quiet prayers, Jonah Coleman is living that truth every day — one kneel at a time.
