Game of the year is tonight; The Madison Bowl
MADISON- Players for Bob Jones and James Clemens get the chance to write a new chapter in the city showdown tonight. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
James Clemens will try to end a six-year losing streak. Both teams feature major college talent.
At Bob Jones the week has been a whirlwind of emotions. First the team rose to #5 ranking after a come from behind to win in The Freedom Bowl over Mainland (Fla) High School. But the win was costly. Starting receiver Dylan Ray injured his knee and will be lost for the season.
Ray was one of quarterback Caden Rose’s favorite targets. With his size Ray could go up and get the ball especially in the end zone. His blocking on the edge was key to the running game. And he was snapper for kicks and punts.
Also this week, Caden Rose was named Class 7A Player of the Week. He has averaged 400 yards passing and accounted for 8 touchdowns in the first 2 games.
Thursday Jaydon Hill announced his commitment to Florida on Twitter.
Bob Jones enters the game 2-0. New stars on defense have emerged like linebacker Tavais Clark and defensive lineman Chris Cobb. Jaydon Hill, as expected, is playing at a high level at corner.
If James Clemens is to break the streak, quarterback Jamil Muhammed will have to play the best game of his career. It will be his only chance to go against Bob Jones where he played as a freshman.
“I see it as a huge game lining up against Jaydon and the other guys on their defense,” Muhammed said. “It will be a big experience being my first time to face Bob Jones. It will be a tough game facing someone like Jaydon because I know he will challenge our offense. Other players on their defense will step so we just have to match their intensity.”
James Clemens could have an advantage punting where Drew Blackwell has been impressive. Bob Jones could have an advantage kicking with Jacob Freuwald who has field goals of 24 and 27 yards this season.
Dylan Blackburn and Austin McGhee lead the Jets running attack and Muhammed is always a threat to take off. Receivers Chris Hope and Drew Blackwell have to get open and make great catches when Muhammed passes.
The Jets need big plays from defensive linemen Daevion Davis and Kimardre Edwards. The two big men will be a huge test for Bob Jones interior offensive linemen Mike Lucente, Ethan Dawes and center Drew Lawson, all three first year starters. The Jets will need big plays and some tackles behind the line of scrimmage from veteran linebacker Zach Hopkins.
Last year Caden Rose led Bob Jones to a 40-14 win as James Clemens failed to contain him. The Jets have had a whole year to devise a defense to stop Rose.
“They are big and athletic and really good,” Rose said. “We got to go out there and play a great game. We can’t fall behind like we have the first two games. I hate losing Dylan but somebody has to step up in his place and play well. We can’t let that affect the rest of the season.”
A crowd of around 8,000 is expected.
“It’s fun playing in front of the big crowd. I don’t really get the nerves. I like it being a big crowd it makes the energy a lot better,” Rose said.
The game will be broadcast on the radio by WUMP 103.9 and 730 Am Sportsradio The UMP.
