Short stay in the playoffs for Bob Jones
Kade Koler sacks Hoover quarterback Garrett Farquar in playoff action (Record Photo/ Jeannee Gannuch)
HOOVER- Bob Jones went on the road and showed no fear of the top program in 7A in Alabama but that was not enough as Hoover pulled away in the second half to a comfortable 31-10 win. It is the third straight season Bob Jones has lost in the first round. The Patriots last won a playoff game on Nov. 15, 2013 and last won a road playoff game in 2008.
Bob Jones had some early success but were unable to cash in two scoring opportunities. The Patriots first drive reached the red zone but on fourth and eight Demontrez Brown dropped a potential touchdown pass.
After the defense held Hoover to three and out, Brown rebounded with an 11-yard catch and a 16-yarder from quarterback Brady Polson. A sack ended that drive and punter John Riley pinned Hoover at their three yard line as the first quarter ended with no score.
Hoover got the first big play, a 46-yard completion from quarterback Garrett Farquar to Shedrick Jackson. But A.J. Harris intercepted Farquar and Bob Jones seemed poised to strike. But Polson threw into heavy coverage on the next play and was picked off. Hoover moved quickly and Barrett Pickering kicked a 29 yard field goal.
After an exchange of punts Bob Jones was backed up on their six yard line. Polson threw interception number two as Ben Abercrombie stepped in front of a crossing route and took it 10 yards for a touchdown.
“We had an opportunity to grab the momentum on two or three occasions and we didn’t and when you do that against Hoover it comes back to haunt you,” said Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose. “We gave them 10 points. They just got a better football team than we do. They are really good at all eleven positions; offense, defense, and special teams. They are one of the best teams in the state.”
Bob Jones got on the board in the third quarter with a 35-yard field goal by Ian Kurowsky but Hoover struck back with a long drive and C.J. Sturdivant scored on a 2 yard run to make it 17-3.
Polson threw interception number three as Will Singleton made a move on Milkhi Stewart and returned the pick into Bob Jones territory. Sturdivant scored from eight yards out to make it 24-3. Hoover added another touchdown to go up 31-3.
Polson bounced back and hit Demontrez Brown on a 41 yard touchdown pass. In his final game , Polson completed 16 of 27 passes for 160 yards
It was a tough way to close out the careers of 21 seniors.
A.J. Harris finished off an outstanding career playing in his 46th and final game. Polson had a streak of 28 games started at quarterback. Both Stewart twins, Milkhi and Milkyle started every game the last two seasons as did tackle Kendall Randolph and guard Tucker Walters. Other seniors included Brad Anderson and Mac Regan who played both ways this season. DJ Butler and Ethan Gannuch started every game in their one season at Bob Jones.
“These seniors it seems like they have been with us forever,” Rose said. “I’m proud of them, I’m not disappointed. They played their guts out tonight it just wasn’t good enough.”
Despite the loss Rose said that the players enjoyed getting to play at the Hoover Met where Rose coached before coming to Bob Jones.
“I love playing Hoover, I wish we played them every year. Its a great environment, they are extremely well coached they challenge our football team it didn’t turn out the way we wanted but our kids competed and that’s what we coach them to do.”
