Patriots scrimmage means season drawing near
Bob Jones quarterback Jeremy takes a snap in the scrimmage
(Contributed Photo/Tammie Stephenson)
MADISON- There was a little something for everyone at the Bob Jones/Discovery football combined scrimmage on Friday August 15.
Over 150 players participated. Food trucks did a steady business and barbeque smoke wafting over the field added to the setting. Several hundred fans showed up to watch.
The scrimmage gave players the first chance to go full speed after two weeks of practice.
“I thought we had a really great night, offensively we did a lot of good things,” head coach Kevin Rose said afterward. “I was pleased with our defense. They did a good job, got some stops and some takeaways.”
The crisply played 45 minute session was an offensive showcase as a number of receivers stood out with big catches. Torrey Hunt was a favorite target of quarterback Jeremy Frye. Hunt led the offense with five catches. Milkhi Stewart had two impressive catches going high for the ball.
Bob Jones will be deep at receiver and Rose said they all will play.
“When one runs a deep route he won’t be in the next play. We will have a fresh guy go in behind him and run multiple receivers at the defense.”
Among the new faces on defense were linebacker Dominique Davis, defensive end Demarcus Clark, and Jeffrey Benton at nose guard.
Demarcus Clark is a junior getting his first taste of varsity action.
“We’re not young guys, we know how to play,” Clark said “ We fly around and get to the ball.”
Trent Lynch returned to action after missing the entire season last year.
The scrimmage is important because “you got to get hit full speed before you go play in a game to see if you are protecting the football and hustling to the ball” Rose said.
The action was full speed tackling to the ground except on the quarterbacks.
Christian Phillips catches a pass
Deondre Douglas continues to progress from the broken hand and got his first action on offense at “Y” receiver.
The scrimmage also marked the debut of two new offensive lineman, both sophomores. Tucker Walters at right guard and Kendall Randolph at left tackle.
Last year Bob Jones had over 2,000 yards rushing as a team. One of the big questions going into the season is how do the Patriots replace two running backs who combined for over 2,000 all-purpose yards. Miles Strickland will carry much of that load.
Strickland got limited playing time last season finishing with 295 yards on 24 carries and 4 touchdowns.
Fans can get their first look at Bob Jones football team Friday night at 7 p.m. in a jamboree game against Muscle Shoals. The game is at Madison City Schools Stadium.
