Bob Jones on roll, brace for undefeated Hewitt-Trussville

By MIKE EASTERLING

FLORENCE-  Class 7A Bob Jones High School opened the football season with lopsided losses to Central-Phenix City and Austin, un-Patriot like even if  those two teams are ranked No. 1 in 7A and 6A, respectively.

But on further examination, it’s easy to understand why the team got off to an 0-2 start for the first time in coach Kevin Rose’s nine seasons.

Bob Jones, back on track and in the chase for a seventh region title in Rose’s tenure, played 17 sophomores in the Patriots’ 55-31 win over non-league foe Florence last Friday.

The win was Bob Jones’ fourth straight since losing 33-7 to Central and 41-14 to Austin to open the season.

“We’ve improved every week, and I think the speed of the game has slowed down for us,’’ Rose said.

“I think the first two games the speed of the games have helped us the last four weeks.’’

Bob Jones stands 4-2 and 4-0 in Region 7. The Patriots have defeated region

opponents James Clemens 40-14, Sparkman 17-14 and Huntsville 34-20 before knocking off the Falcons.

The Patriots climb back into the region ring against another heavyweight Friday when they take on Hewitt-Trussville at home.

The Huskies (5-0 overall, 3-0 in the region) were ranked No. 4 in last week’s state rankings and have won by an average of 52-11.8 with shutouts the last two weeks.

For Bob Jones against Florence, Troy commitment Domentrez Brown scored four touchdowns and sophomore quarterback Caden Rose passed for 281 yards and three TDs. Brown had touchdown catches covering 96 and 27 yards and added a 37-yard touchdown run.

Dylan Ray also had a 31-yard touchdown pass to Sam Barnes.

“We’ve got a good sophomore class,’’ Rose said. “We also have some good juniors and seniors. The more experience they get we’ll just get better and better.’’

Defensively Bob Jones intercepted 4 passes. Jaydon Hill had 2, Khalil Griffin had 1, and Jacobye Green had 1.