No homecoming letdown; Bob Jones stays hot
Isaiah Hatchett runs against Florence (Photo Contributed/Chris Shimek)
MADISON- Bob Jones players put aside the distractions of homecoming Friday night Sept 23 and held on for a close 21-16 victory over Florence. Played in 90 degree heat, both teams seemed ready for a breather from region play as they stayed on the ground and kept the clock running.
“We just wanted to win the game and advance. Our plan was to run the football, keep it out of their hands, get a win, and move on,” Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose said after the game. “We got a lead early and we wanted to help our defense by rushing the ball and staying on the field. Their quarterback was super talented so we wanted to limit his touches.”
Bob Jones had three running backs sharing the load. Brad Anderson had the first big play of the game with a 32 yard run to set up the Patriots first touchdown, a 6 yard run by Jalen Williams.
A pass interference penalty got Bob Jones in position for their second touchdown, a 3 yard run by Brad Anderson.
Florence got a 36 yard field goal by Nathan Cobb to make it 14-3 at halftime.
Florence scored a touchdown in the third quarter to make it 14-10 but Isaiah Hatchett scored a touchdown for Bob Jones to make it 21-10.
Bob Jones runners found the going tough the whole game but still managed to pound out nearly 200 yards rushing.
Hatchett finished the game with 64 yards on 15 carries. Anderson, seeing his most extensive action in several weeks, rushed 11 times for 92 yards.
“We tried to get Brad involved,” Rose said. “He hasn’t played that much. Going into the game this week at Hewitt he needed to get hit a few times. He played well. Defensively we continue to play good.”
Bob Jones (5-1, 3-0 region) now faces their longest road trip in five years to face undefeated Hewitt-Trussville in a key region game.
“We will find out what kind of football team we have next week,” Rose said. “We have won some big games most of them at home but now we go on a two and half hour road trip to face the #3 ranked team in 7A. It will be the the biggest game in the state. We will see what we are made of this week.”
