Bob Jones rides Rice, resurgent defense past Buckhorn
MADISON – In what is sure to be a pivotal game in the Class 6A, Region football race Bob Jones turned to its senior running back to carry a heavy load.
Jaden Rice responded, rushing 38 times for 272 yards and three touchdowns Friday night at Madison City Stadium in a 31-21 win over Buckhorn. He also had three receptions for 18 yards.
The Patriots have gotten back on track with two straight wins following a loss to city rival James Clemens when the Jets had a big fourth quarter.
Against the Bucks, it was Bob Jones’ turn to use a big finish, pitching a shutout in the last two quarters and scoring two TDs in the fourth to overtake their county rival.
The Patriots have a bye this week, then face another old familiar foe when they visit Sparkman for another key region clash. The Senators from neighboring Harvest and the Patriots were archrivals until James Clemens came along, but it’s still a heated rivalry.
Bob Jones leads the series 34-19 all-time, but Sparkman won 29-26 last season to break a four-game losing streak. The Patriots (3-2, 2-1) and Bucks (3-2, 2-1) both trail SpRKMn (4-1, 3-0) and James Clemens (4-1, 3-0) in the top half of the region standings.
Friday night, Bob Jones sophomore quarterback Alex Randolph completed 7-of-13 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown to senior wide receiver Josiah Edwards. Rocky Ray Junior kicker Rocky Ray kicked a field goal.
Buckhorn struck first on a 50-yard reception by Bryan Durodola early in the first quarter, and Bob Jones answered two minutes later to tie the game at 7-all.
Things slowed down until the 4:01 mark of the second period when Djone Rosario scored from the 2-yard line, and again two minutes later the Patriots pulled even at 14-all when Rice scored on a 56-yard run.
Buckhorn quickly surged back ahead 21-14, and just before halftime Ray’s field goal made it 21-17 before halftime when Israel Cooper caught a 30-yard TD pass.
The third quarter was scoreless.
In the fourth, Rice scored on two runs to provide the difference.
