Bragging rights on the line Friday night
Bob Jones is 4-0 all time against James Clemens (Photo contributed/Tammie Stephenson)
MADISON- It is the biggest game of the year. For the 32 seniors on James Clemens it is their final chance to score a win on the football field against cross-town rival Bob Jones.
The last two years have been close games. Bob Jones held on for a dramatic 27-24 win last year. Two years ago Bob Jones’ Torrey Hunt returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown but James Clemens surged in the second half and Bob Jones recovered an onside kick to secure victory.
Bob Jones head coach Kevin Rose expects another exciting game.
“It’s a night we can celebrate both high schools. Regardless of the outcome its two class programs, two good football teams, and every player on both teams is fortunate to play in that kind of atmosphere.
What we have done in the past won’t have any bearing on this game. It’s all about the 48 minutes Friday night. Who takes care of the football and is physical in all phases of the game. Both sides are excited to get after it.”
Surprisingly both teams are coming off losses. But those were non-region games and this game will count in region standings and will have playoff implications.
“Both lost to two good football teams and both on the road,” Rose said. “If you don’t play your best football you are going to get beat. James Clemens has a well-coached athletic football team and our kids are excited about playing in a game of this magnitude.”
Last year the game turned on a fumbled punt. This game could be determined by special teams. Both teams are breaking in new kickers and punters. Brody Droppleman (James Clemens) and Ian Kurowsky (Bob Jones) performed flawlessly for their teams last week.
James Clemens must avoid fumbles like the exchange between quarterback Jackson Nowlin and the running back that was returned for a touchdown last week by Gardendale.
The Jets offense will rely on the running game led by Bradley Belt (#11) and passes to Immanuel Wilder (#3).
Bob Jones will finally get a game with no rain.
Dating back to the playoff game last year, the Patriots’ last three games have been played in rainstorms.
Rose said his team will play fast with the new grass turf at MCSS.
“We want to get on a dry field and let Brady throw the ball and use our speed. Both teams will be happy to play on a dry field.”
Last season over 10,000 fans packed the stadium and flowed onto the field to watch.
Students at Bob Jones will be wearing “fear the thumb!” T shirts.
The game can be heard on WUMP FM 103.9 with Arky Shea and Seth Hagan.
Fans are encouraged to buy tickets before coming to the game, arrive early, tailgate in the parking lot, or take the shuttle bus from downtown.
