Unity breakfast brings together Madison city high schools

Bob Jones quarterback Jeremy Frye thanks student managers from James Clemens at the Madison city Unity Breakfast Sept. 3. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – It’s rivalry week in the city of Madison, and the competition between Bob Jones and James Clemens continues to rise in its third year of existence.

As a goodwill measure, James Clemens hosted the second annual “Unity Breakfast” at The Grove Baptist Church on County Line Road Sept. 3, as the Jets are the official home team in this year’s matchup. Bob Jones hosted the event last year at CrossPointe Church.

“It’s a proud day that these two teams can come together,” said Madison City Schools Superintendent Dee Fowler. “The competition is going to be so fierce. Bob Jones has continued the tradition, James Clemens is maturing and this is two schools our community can be so proud of.”

Senior players from both sides were treated to biscuits and orange juice after listening to a presentation from Shannon Austin, professional speaker who works with James Clemens.

“It’s everything about what our country is about,” Austin said. “We can have states that have rivalries, we can have cities that have rivalries but when it’s time to come together I love their motto, which is, ‘Two schools. One community.”

Both schools come in to the game undefeated with one win apiece. The Bob Jones Patriots also come in with the distinction of being No. 1 in Class 7A for the first time in the school’s history following Hoover’s two losses to begin its season.