Bob Jones Principal Robby Parker with Tasha and Ariel Lavish
(Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- The suspense is growing at Bob Jones leading up to tonight’s homecoming queen announcement at halftime of the football game against Florence. Principal Robby Parker is set to present the winner her crown but he insists he doesn’t know who the winner is until then.

“Every senior girl is deserving and whoever it is I am excited for them,” Parker said. “I always tell them not to tell me because I will tell it.”

One thing he does know is this years homecoming court is history-making. Two sets of twins are among the 12 seniors vying for the title.

Tasha and Ariel Lavish are in the band danceline. Both have extensive training in dance. Rachel and Erin Shockey are both volleyball players. Both were on the team that won the state championship last year.

All the contestants have one thing in common, they all participate in extracurricular activities. The cheerleaders, band dance line, volleyball, and softball teams are all represented.

“It’s awesome,” Parker said of having two sets of twins on the court. “They are such wonderful kids. To my knowledge it is the first time we have had even one set of twins on the homecoming court.”

Rachel Shockey came to the parade after a volleyball match Thursday still in her uniform.

“It’s my first year being on the homecoming court and it has been fun sharing this experience with Erin,” Shockey said. “My dad is going to escort both of us together on the field so he is excited. All the girls are really sweet and I’m just happy to be on the court with all of them.”

Shockey was one of the group leaders last summer in the FCA Power and Sports Camp held at Bob Jones.

The homecoming parade was moved this year to Celtic Drive and most who attended seemed to like the move. Supporters lined the street to the stadium for the short procession which included floats, local dignitaries, units from Discovery Middle School, and the Bob Jones band.

Bob Jones band at start of parade
(Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

On the field, Bob Jones steps out of region play to host Florence. It is a game with numerous story lines.

Florence has two of the top players in the state in linebackers Darius Smith and Keaton Anderson. Bob Jones looks to rebound from their worst loss in two years last week at Gadsden City.

Florence stayed in 6A in the realignment while Bob Jones moved to 7A.

Bob Jones won 13-7 last year. Kevin Rose is 5-0 against Florence as Bob Jones head coach. Bob Jones last lost to Florence in 2007.

Jason Wallace is the first-year Florence head football coach. He was defensive coordinator last year. Florence is 2-2 this season.