Milkyle Stewart makes a hit on a Buckhorn receiver (Contributed/Tammie Stephenson)

MADISON- The Bob Jones defense held one of the top running backs in the state in check and got just enough offense for a 14-7 win over Buckhorn Friday night. It is the Patriots third win over a team ranked in the top ten in 7A. Bob Jones (6-0,4-0 region play) stays on top in Region 4.

“Our defense showed up tonight, they played outstanding,” said Bob Jones Coach Kevin Rose. “We were able to get off the field on third and fourth down. The wind affected kicks and throws and going against it we just wanted to survive and not give up any big points. Fortunately we scored 14 points and this is the first game our defense has held an opponent to single digits and I’m proud of them.” 

Both offenses struggled when going against a north wind of 15 mph. Rain fell in the first quarter.

Bob Jones got the first break of the game when Kade Koler recovered a fumble at the Buckhorn 20 yard line. On fourth-and seven, quarterback Brady Polson hit Milkie Stewart on a 17-yard touchdown pass. The extra point by Matthew Stephenson was no good and Bob Jones led 6-0. Stephenson earlier missed a 37 yard field goal.

Buckhorn mounted a drive with William Ignont running but the Bob Jones defense held and Buckhorn missed a 31 yard field goal.

Utilizing short swing passes to Miles Strickland, Bob Jones moved into Buckhorn territory. Polson found a wide open Jonathon Moss in the end zone on a 32-yard touchdown pass. Moss then ran a reverse and passed to Stewart for the two point conversion.

Milkyle (3) and Milkhi (4) Stewart

Bob Jones led 14-0 at halftime. Polson hit 10-11 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

In the third quarter Brad Anderson had a 23 yard gain but Polson misfired on a fourth down slant pass to Moss and Buckhorn held on downs.

Later, punting into the wind Stephenson had a punt for -3 yards and Buckhorn took over deep in Bob Jones territory. The defense, led by a Gavin Lewis tackle for loss and A.J. Harris pass breakup, held on downs.

Buckhorn scored a touchdown on fourth down from the one foot line as Ignont went in and the extra point made it 14-7.

Jordan Barnes of Buckhorn picked off Polson on the next series to give Buckhorn the ball back. Bob Jones held on downs and took over at their 28 and ran the clock down to less than one second.

Coupled with Hoover’s loss, Bob Jones may go to #1 in 7A next week.

Rose said there was no talk about Hoover’s loss in his locker room leading up to this game.

“Absolutely nothing, our goal is to win this week. Next week the same way. All I can control is how we play. Whatever happens somewhere else we let that go.”