Scrimmages set for Friday night at Bob Jones

MADISON- After two weeks of football practice it is clear the players are ready hit and go full speed. They will get that chance Friday night as Bob Jones will scrimmage under the lights at the turf field. Bob Jones will be on the north end and Discovery will be scrimmaging Bob Jones ninth grade on the south end.

The action on the field will start at 7 pm and last an hour.

The annual showcase has become one of the most well attended events of the football season as fans are encouraged to arrive early. There will not be concessions or food trucks available.

“We want a good crowd Friday night,” Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose said. “It is a good opportunity to get the Discovery players here on the turf field and it will be the first time we go live to the ground and with officials.”

Rose has 80 players practicing on the varsity team.

For players the scrimmage will be critical.

With the opening game only 10 days away, “we have to start sharpening things up before we go for real,” Rose said.  “We’re evaluating everything. After the scrimmage we will get the film and be in a good position to make some decisions. We got a lot of returning players who are doing a good job but we got a lot of new guys too. Friday night’s scrimmage will be key as to who starts the following week.”

Much of the preseason focus has been on the offensive line that will have three new starters. Tuesday, offensive line coach Matt Sweatman was putting the players through drills. Returning players are at tackle with Art Allen on the left side and Colby Morrell on the right. Drew Lawson, Michael Lucente, Ethan Dawes, and Jared Harris are among several players working at guard and center.

The defense is led up front by returning defensive tackle Chris Cobb who is like a coach on the field. At linebacker Tavias Clark #25 will be a physical presence along with Jayson Walls #59, and Jacoby Green #19.

“We are running as many drills as we can now at practice from two minute to backed up on your goal line to every kicking team,” Rose said.