Rocket City 7on7 huge success as Bob Jones makes finals

MADISON-  The footballs were flying Friday at Madison Academy at the initial Rocket City 7on7 passing tournament. After pool play and bracket play Bob Jones (JV) and Florence squared off for the championship with Florence taking the title.

Four fields were going to keep the action non-stop for the nine teams playing. In an early game Bob Jones defeated Brooks 25-21 on a last second touchdown pass from John-Michael Riley to Xavier Wright.

Bob Jones then lost games to Wilson and Florence and in the afternoon squared off against host Madison Academy. Academy won 28-17.

Bob Jones beat Academy in an elimination game then beat Notre Dame to reach the final.

Bob Jones was paced by Tavais Clarke who played both offense and defense. Clarke had an interception against Brooks.

The Patriot team needed a big day from quarterback John-Michael Riley and they got just that. Clearly one of the best athletes on the field, Riley also played defense and some receiver.

“John Michael is playing good today, he is performing well,” said Bob Jones team coach Chris Lewis during a break in the action. “He pays attention taking the calls from the coaches, he is seeing the field well and making good decisions. John Murray had a big catch and another for a two-point conversion.

The games are very competitive even though we are Bob Jones team 2 Coach Rose always tells us finish strong play to the end and that is what our guys are doing.”

Riley, a junior, has played quarterback for the past 3 seasons. He showed a good ability to throw on the run and keep his eyes downfield.

Lewis said that Florence, Notre Dame (Chattanooga), and Columbia Academy (Tenn) were among the strongest teams at the tournament.

Madison Academy also played well winning three of their first four games behind new quarterback Luke Nail, a transfer from Brewer.

Academy head coach Grant Reynolds said that the tournament went remarkably well for a first- year effort.

“We’ve got some good quality teams here,” Reynolds said. “It’s been good competition today. Our touchdown club and parents have done a tremendous job putting this thing on today. They have made it a first-class event. We started planning this about 6 months ago.”

Academy has a strong passing game with Tyler Green leading a strong receiving corps. On defense Evan Brooks had an interception.