Bob Jones posts 14th straight winning season
MADISON- The record book will say that the 2018 Bob Jones Patriots season ended with a 26-18 loss at Hoover.
But that loss does not define this team in the tenth season for Coach Kevin Rose. Bob Jones has made the playoffs with a winning record in all Rose’s seasons. Overall at Bob Jones Rose’s record is 86-30.
“Just to make the playoffs and finish with a winning record (6-5) was an amazing accomplishment for this team with all the injuries we had,” Rose said after the playoff game with Hoover.
Early in the season two of the team’s top players, Jadon Hill and Dylan Ray both went down with season ending knee injuries.
Quarterback Slate Alford stepped in after starter Caden Rose went down with a broken hand and led the Patriots to a must win over Huntsville in the final game of the regular season. Then against Hoover Bob Jones came out on fire and took an early lead and shocked the top-seeded and two-time reigning state champions by leading the game 10-6 at halftime.
“Slate did a good job of coming in in a tough situation and giving us a chance to win both games. I was very proud of the way we competed against Hoover and played with great effort. Leading at halftime we needed to start fast in the second half and we did not get that done. Hoover has a very good team as always,” Rose said.
As for Hill and Ray both are progressing nicely in their rehabilitation from knee injuries and expected to make full recovery. Hill will sign with Florida in the early signing period for D-1 football in December and leave for Gainesville in January.
This year’s senior class was small (18) but had a big impact Rose said.
“They overcame a lot of adversity to stay the course and finish with a winning record and a playoff berth.”
Colby Morrell, who started at tackle for 2 years, played his last game against Hoover. He is undecided if he will pursue playing at the next level.
Morrell seemed to sum up best his playing days with a tweet he sent out the day after the Hoover loss.
“I cannot even begin to put into words how much of a blessing it was to be a captain of this team and to be a part of this team for four years. I’ll never forget all the memories I made with my brothers and I can’t thank my coaches enough for making me a better player and person.”
