In third year, Madison Bowl increases visibility, competition, fanfare

Captains from Bob Jones and James Clemens meet for the pregame coin toss before the 2014 Madison Bowl. (Record Photo/Nick Sellers)

By Nick Sellers | Staff Writer

MADISON – The indications Friday that the James Clemens – Bob Jones football game was not just a game were numerous: extra seating was temporarily situated in the end zones, dignitaries such as Madison Mayor Troy Trulock and U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks were present for Military Appreciation Night, which coincided with the game, and fans were treated to a halftime fireworks show.

The score was also closer than ever, with Bob Jones (2-0) taking a 28-21 victory over the James Clemens Jets (1-1). To pull it all off, though, took meticulous planning from multiple public entities.

Capt. John Stringer of the Madison Police Department had an integral role in the evening’s security.

“We can’t emphasize enough: we want everybody to have a great time, and our officers to be able to help and assist people,” Stringer said before the game. “We also have plans if we have disorder to make sure that we keep people safe and that we move them on out as quickly as we can.”

Cooperation between the Police Department, Fire Department and Parks and Recreation department was required Friday. Public Works was responsible for providing pertinent cones and barricades. Twenty police personnel were present, including reserve officers, to ensure a safe atmosphere.

“Everybody’s just doing their job,” Stringer said. “It’s teamwork.”

While many fans arrived more than two hours before the 7 p.m. kickoff, a few passed the time tailgating.

“I can’t tell you my seasonings – it’s secret seasonings,” Brian Chaffin said as he made final preparations for the feast he prepared in the stadium’s parking lot. “We’re cooking hot wings, hot dogs, got some secret sausage from Texas and we have a few other things we’re cooking.”

Chaffin said he and his posse of James Clemens softball and cheer parents make it out to two or three game per year but have the Madison Bowl circled each season. With a turnout topping 10,000, it would appear they aren’t the only ones.