Florence hands Patriots 55-24 homecoming loss

MADISON — The Patriots continue to struggle this season, plagued with depth issues. Bob Jones entered Friday’s key Class 7A, Region 4 matchup versus Florence with an unfamiliar 0-3 record.

The visiting Falcons added to the Patriots’ woe with a 55-24 win at Madison City Schools Stadium. This was the first time the Falcons have ever beaten Bob Jones in back-to-back seasons.

The Patriots were able to keep Florence within four points at halftime. With the Falcons already on the scoreboard with a pair of touchdowns in the first quarter, Bob Jones scored a field goal later in the quarter and gained momentum going into the half.

Slate Alford threw a 32-yard pass to Dylan Ray for a touchdown with just two minutes left in the second quarter. Caden Rose then passed to Ray with a 2-yard TD pass with 13 seconds to go before halftime.

The momentum was short-lived as Florence answered back with 21 points before the Patriots could score again, this time with a passing touchdown late in the third quarter.

The Falcons firmly secured the win in the fourth quarter with a pair of touchdowns, the last one capitalizing off a Bob Jones fumble when quarterback Alford was sacked.

Bob Jones had 192 total passing yards for the night. Alford completed 12-of-16 for 131 yards and two touchdowns and Rose completed 10-of-17 for 61 yards with one TD. Ray caught eight passes for the Patriots.

The Patriots take to the road to face the Gadsden City Titans in another 7A Region 4 battle on Friday. Bob Jones will attempt to put their first win on its 0-4 season record. The Titans also enter the battle with a 0-4 record after their 17-6 loss to Austin.

The Falcons, 2-2, will return to Madison City Stadium this week to take on James Clemens for a 7A Region 4 matchup. The Jets, 2-2, are coming off a 49-0 win over Huntsville.