AJ Harris leads the field in the 4 x 100 relay (Record Photo/Lindsay Vaught)

MADISON- Bob Jones runners had worked all season for the 7A sectional and they made the most of it sweeping to victory in the premier events Saturday at James Clemens.

The Patriots team of Brad Anderson, Jonathon Moss, Jay Hawthorne, and AJ Harris brought home the gold in the 4×100. Anderson started, handed off to Moss who streaked to the lead, Hawthorne took over, and Harris ran the final leg. Sparkman finished second and Huntsville third.

This is only the first step. Another huge test comes at the AHSAA Track and Field Championships next week in Gulf Shores.

“We’re going down on a business trip,” Anderson said. “We want a gold medal. Once we handle our business then we will have fun.”

“We’re not satisfied just to go to state, we want to win,” added Moss.

AJ Harris has made huge strides in this his first year running track. “Last year’s team had a chance to get one but fell short,” Harris said. “I feel confident in this team. We need to keep our heads straight and keep pushing to the end. Brad starts us off, Moss gets us a lead with his long strides, Jay and I  finish.”

Harris wasn’t through.

He still had to run the 100M dash.

He was the heavy favorite against top runners from Sparkman, Gadsden City, and James Clemens. Harris trailed early to Nicholas Rivers of Buckhorn and needed a late kick and then it was a photo finish. After a five minute wait he was declared the winner by 1/100^th of a second over Rivers.

Overall Bob Jones will carry 31 athletes to Gulf Shores. They leave Wednesday morning.

Other winners for Bob Jones were Brianna Caudle in the high jump, Nate Santiago (one mile), Timothy McCarter (two mile), and Chase Fiddler won and set a new school record of 6’7” in the high jump.

Coach Brad Jefferson was pleased with the results.

“Great job, overall a lot of personal records, the kids are stepping up and peaking at the right time. We took last week off to get our legs under us so we would have a great showing here.”

After a disappointing performance last year at state, Jefferson is doing things different this year.

“Last year I was a rookie. I didn’t know what all went into going to state and preparing the kids. This year we’re way better prepared. We got parents making sure we have the right food and drinks for them. State championships, yes we are capable of winning the 4×100 men’s and women’s, high jump, and 100M we should be in the top one or two.”

Bob Jones women’s 4×100 team finished second to Sparkman.

James Clemens women scored a win in the 100M with Dekonte Gistarb and Shaytea Ligon finishing one two.

In team standings, Bob Jones men’s team finished first and the women’s team third.