Defense holds on for Bob Jones’ first region win
MADISON- In desperate need of a win to turn around their season, Bob Jones coach Kevin Rose turned to his reliable combination of Caden Rose to John Michael Riley.
The pair combined for two touchdowns and the defense battled to the end holding Gadsden City out of the end zone as time ran out and Bob Jones escaped with a 12-7 region win Friday night at Madison City Schools Stadium.
Bob Jones entered the game 0-2 in region play but with the win they go to 3-2 (1-2) and are right back in the thick of the race in Class 7A, Region 4.
“We desperately needed this win,” Rose said. “We were going the wrong way the last two weeks so we needed this to get back on the right track. Everybody contributed so we just keep reaching deep and finding a way to win.
A ton of credit goes to our defense and defensive coordinator Bryan Styles. We’ve kind of been pushed around the last two weeks. Our defense did not give up a point and then had a goal line stand at the end, they saved us.”
Bob Jones is playing without Jaydon Hill who injured a knee last week against Florence and is lost for the season.
Brandon Fearn and Trey Lockhart have stepped in to play corner. Aremon Garth started the season at corner opposite Hill. Garth has moved to offense. Khalil Griffin continues to play both ways.
Chris Cobb is back at defensive tackle after missing time with concussion issues.
“We are actually down 9 starters counting the guys that didn’t return from last year due to injury like Connor Henderson. Now Jaydon goes down, that’s hard to overcome. I can’t do anything about the injuries. Just try to go out and overcome them. The team has to step up,” Rose said.
“We are going to enjoy this one for 24 hours then go to work on Hillcrest next week.”
It is homecoming week for Bob Jones.
One player stepping up has been Caden Rose. Already this season he has been recognized by coaches as player of the week and regionally for the Play of the Week.
After a scoreless first quarter, Gadsden City got a scoop and score when a high snap went over quarterback Caden Rose.
Trailing 7-0 Bob Jones offense turned to Khalil Griffin who carried 23 times for over 100 yards in the game. Then Rose began connecting with John Michael Riley on deep and intermediate routes.
The two connected for 22 yards then Rose scrambled and found Riley in the end zone from 21 yard out. Jacob Fruewald missed the extra point and Bob Jones trailed 7-6.
Both teams missed field goal attempts. It would be up to the offenses to win or lose the game.
With three minutes left Rose and Riley connected again from 7 yards out for the game winning score.
Gadsden City had four plays inside the five yard line to win the game but on fourth down Walker Styles and Chris Cobb stopped a runner on a swing pass to preserve the win.
