Bob Jones girls defense does perfect job, again
Bob Jones forward Darby Rasch #7 scored a goal in the Patriots win
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGHT)
MADISON- Bob Jones smothering defense rarely allowed James Clemens to cross into Patriot territory Wednesday night in the first of two meetings between the Class 6A, Area 14 teams and crosstown rivals. When the Jets did cross midfield, defenders Jenna Cecil and Chandler Austin stopped the strikers by taking them off the ball.
The result was a 6-0 shutout win for Bob Jones. James Clemens failed to record a shot on goal the entire game.
First year Bob Jones coach Tony Schroder’s team is on a six game winning streak, all shutouts.
“All our defenders are playing their positions very well. They are covering each other, getting back, and forcing the forward to go through them multiple times. Jenna, one of our captains, did a great job in the middle. They are coming together and they are a big reason why we are shutting out these teams,” Schroeder said.
Starting goalkeeper Cassie Russell took the night off for Bob Jones and Lauren Steil worked between the pipes.
Bob Jones opponent’s scoreless streak goes back to a 2-1 loss to fourth ranked Oak Mountain. The run includes a 1-0 win over Hoover and an Area 14, 10-0 win Tuesday night over Lee-Huntsville.
The offense also pitched in against James Clemens as the Patriots got goals from six different players.
Caralyn Patton and Marlina Williams scored in the first half for a 2-0 lead at the break.
James Clemens goalkeeper Taylor Carter had her hands full as Avery Batson controlled the ball from her midfield position and doled out multiple assists.
Darby Rasch scored at 26:27 and Anna Gierow at 18:00. Hannah Snoddy went side post for a goal at 2:40 and Colleen Miller’s roundhouse volley kick closed the scoring at 1:47.
Rasch, a senior, will sign a soccer scholarship with Spring Hill College of Mobile this Friday.
“Knowing they are our rival our expectation was we would have to play our hardest so it felt good to get the win,” Rasch said. “I think we have a really good team and can go really far. We beat Hoover and that was huge for us. We did really well in that tournament and it was a huge confidence boost.”
Bob Jones went 3-0 in the McGill Classic in Daphne, Alabama last weekend. Eighth ranked Bob Jones is now 10-4.
Bob Jones will soon find out just how good they are. After a week off for spring break they play third-ranked Grissom April 2 and top-ranked Huntsville April 9.
“It will be a good test. We’re looking forward to it,” Schroeder said.
