Defense dominates Bob Jones scrimmage
Quarterback Tyler Whalen unloads a pass in the scrimmage Friday night
(RECORD PHOTO/LINDSAY VAUGH)
MADISON- It was only a scrimmage but several hundred fans showed up to give a game night atmosphere Friday night as Bob Jones held their only scrimmage of the preseason.
The starting defense pitched a shutout in their limited time on the field which consisted of four 5-minute periods interspersed with reserve and freshmen squads.
The big hit of the night came courtesy of linebacker Nick Holman with a hit on Ryan Crooks.
“It was fun playing in front of these people,” Holman said afterward. “We didn’t get to play as much as I wanted but it was a good practice under the lights. We didn’t talk about a shutout but every time we play the point is not let the opponent score.”
With nine starters back and several already holding scholarship offers, the defense is a dominating force.
“They have been doing that all fall and that is our expectation for them,” said head coach Kevin Rose. “This could be the best defense we’ve fielded at Bob Jones,”
Several younger players impressed in their time on the field. Sophomore quarterback Collins Hess hit Christian Thomas for the first touchdown of the evening. Another sophomore, Jonathon Moss showed why the coaches are high on him with a speed burst and a spin on a touchdown run.
Another sophomore, Miles Strickland is pushing for playing time with the varsity. He showed a burst of speed at running back and kick off returner that Bob Jones needs after losing all-purpose back Kevin Wright to graduation.
“Miles could be a huge surprise for us, he is a very talented player,” Rose said. “We’ve got a long way to go but putting them under that kind of pressure hopefully we will improve.”
In addition to getting situational work for the players, Rose said the event got the whole Bob Jones community involved by including teams from Discovery Middle School who scrimmaged on one of the field.
“It shows good unity having 180 kids from Madison City Schools playing football, all striving for the same goals; developing kids and playing winning football. It was a good environment with the parents and fans.”
Starting quarterback Tyler Whalen had a touchdown run and pass against the #2 defense in a red zone series. In goal line situations he scored on a keeper and a touchdown pass to Ryan Crooks.
The offensive line, while still not set appears to be coming together. J.D. Sims and Blake Polson worked at right tackle and guard respectively while Austin Harris and Shamario Ross worked the left side of center Cage Stapler.
“We have not settled on the starting five in the offensive line,” Rose said. “After we play Enterprise we will look at the film and decide who will start against Northridge.”
Bob Jones will play Enterprise in the AHSAA Champions Challenge at the Crampton Bowl in Montgomery on Saturday, August 24 and open the season at home against Northridge on Friday August 30.
The scrimmage lasted about an hour and half. “We tried to put them is as many game-type situations as they will see in a game,” Rose said.
Kicker Matt Trulock missed the scrimmage with a soccer tournament. Left footer Austin Neal filled in at kicker.
