Offense shines in Bob Jones scrimmage
Brad Anderson (24) gains yardage as Kade Kohler (41) Drew Styles (6) pursue (Contributed/Tammie Stephenson)
MADISON- With the season opener two weeks away it is time to find out some answers for the Bob Jones football team. After two weeks of practice the players went full hitting and tackling Friday night in a scrimmage that included the starters, backups, junior varsity, and freshmen.
“We’re improving but we’ve got a long way to go,” Coach Kevin Rose said after the action. “We had a lot of penalties tonight but that is why we have officials here. We will go back on film and get them corrected. The offense has struggled in practice against our defense but we can be a good offense.”
In five five minute sessions the starting offense scored three touchdowns and one field goal.
The offense ran the ball much of the night with Miles Strickland #1 and Brad Anderson #24 getting all the carries. Strickland is the bigger of the two backs. Derek Marion got a toss on the jet sweep and scored the first touchdown. On the next series, Polson hit Jonathon Moss for a short touchdown pass. Moss later caught another touchdown pass.
Senior Matthew Stephenson booted a 30 yard field goal. The starting defense got one stop.
The offensive line that played first string were (from left to right) Kendall Randolph, Mathew Fravel, Tucker Walters (center), Mac Regan, and Daniel Christenson. Rose said that Walters’ move to center has been successful.
“He is learning to snap and step at the same time which is complicated but the snap he has done a good job and caught on quick,” Rose said.
Walters is left handed and snaps with his left hand.
The kicking game appears to be in good shape with Stephenson handling both the kicking and punting duties.
Last season Stephenson pulled a quad muscle in the third game and the Patriots kicking game struggled the remainder of the season. In one late season game Rose was forced to use four different kickers. He said he does not want a repeat of that.
“It is extremely important that he stay healthy. He has worked hard all summer and should give us a good kickoff guy, punter, and deep field goal threat. Especially in close games it could come down to a kick and I need to have confidence we can execute.”
Stephenson has dropped about 15 pounds while increasing leg strength. His range now goes out to about 50 yards. He attended kicking camps at several colleges including Austin Peay where he may get an offer.
Rose said that he will use the scrimmage to look at backup players who can contribute.
“Everybody is getting on the field, getting on film so it is a great opportunity to make a case for themselves to get playing time.”
Impressive play was turned in by Jamil Muhammed who quarterbacked the freshman team. Rose said that fans should make a point to watch him play this season in the freshman games.
“He is really athletic, he has a lot of natural ability. We’re working with him to become a better all-around quarterback. He has a lot of potential,” Rose said.
On defense Demarcus Clark did not play and has has been limited in practice with a thumb injury. He said that he has been cleared to go full speed starting Monday. On the field junior backup safety Jay Hawthorne had an interception and touchdown return.
The Patriots secondary is set and should be a strength. Led by safety A.J. Harris and corners Brandon Alexander and Milkyle Stewart they have size, strength and experience. Inside linebacker Kade Kohler returns and newcomer Drew Styles starts on the outside.
Bob JOnes will travel to Montgomery next Saturday, August 22 to play Carver in the Champions Challenge put on by the AHSAA. The game will be in the Crampton Bowl.
