PARKERSBURG — A pair of Parkersburg Big Reds have their sights set on a little rest and relaxation in the Hawaiian sun come December.

Parkersburg rising seniors Adam Elder and Ethan Jones plan to make it happen come Dec. 17-22 when the duo head to Honolulu for the Hawaii Tiki Bowl Senior All-Star game.

The six-day, five-night trip where they’ll get to relax on the beaches of a Waikiki hotel not only will include participating in the game as well as practice, but they are also expected to have sightseeing opportunities and do various activities like a luau dinner.

“I think it’s like unique because not everybody gets the opportunity to go to Hawaii and play the sport they love the most,” admitted Elder, who tore his ACL two months before the season and played through the Parkersburg South game at the midpoint of the campaign.

At that point he was averaging better than five stops and a tackle for loss a game while also forcing a fumble.

“I want to get it out there, represent the community and just the school itself, but at the same time I just want everybody to know. Here in town and out of town,” added Elder, who as a sophomore played in all 12 games for the red and white and finished fourth on the team with 75 stops, which featured 13 for loss and a half dozen sacks.

“We’re there if they need us to do any work for them,” Jones said of not just wanting free handouts. “I want to represent PHS and inspire the younger kids.”

The Big Reds are visiting Marietta College on Saturday and already have made stops at Morehead State, Hampton State and Shenandoah.

“We’re trying to go to Marshall,” said Jones as Elder followed with “if (ex-Big Red) Zach Howard can play there, I’m not trying to hate on nobody, but if he can play there I think we can play there.”

Jones rushed for 415 yards and four scores while averaging better than 6 yards per carry as a junior,

The two-way player, who added 10 receptions on offense while also handling kickoff return duties, finished fifth in total tackles and led the Big Reds in sacks and fumble recoveries with a trio apiece.

Jones admitted “it’s an amazing opportunity because I get to go play football and I get to be in Hawaii for the first time. It will be awesome.”

When asked if he’s ever been in an airplane the running back said “I’ve only been in a helicopter.”

Elder noted “I’ve been in a plane one time and it was with my grandpa. He worked at Kincheloe’s and the owner had one.”

Whether it’s mowing grass, doing other yard work, painting or detailing vehicles, both players are more than willing to give some of their time for anyone who would like to donate toward their respective fundraising efforts.

“We’ll do some work,” stressed Jones. “I can’t say shovel snow because it’s about to get hot. I can wash their cars.”

Elder is looking forward to his senior season and the final one with head coach Matt Kimes.

“Four years now. We were his first class and now we’re seniors. It’s time to shine,” said Elder, who added of being a Big Red “it’s been awesome.

“It’s been a great experience. After season maybe play in the Cystic Fibrosis game and represent some more there and then go to Hawaii and represent.”

Jones, who will be a focal point of the offense, added thus far in the offseason “everybody has been locked in and working real hard” while admitting “I also want to break some records so I can be in the record books.”

Both players have set up GoFundMe accounts and anyone wishing to donate may do so to Jones at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ethan-jones-attend-hawaii-tiki-bowl or Elder at https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-adam-play-in-the-hawaii-tiki-bowl.

Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com