Bob Jones defense does perfect job in shutout of Grissom
MADISON- Bob Jones’ defense continued their strong play by shutting out Grissom 21-0 and the Patriots nailed down second place in Class 7A, Region 4 and a home playoff game.
Led by linebackers Kade Koler, Jacobye Green, and Artavian Toney the defense held Grissom to 175 total yards and turned away the Tigers once on downs inside the red zone and blocked a field goal at the end of the first half.
On offense Bob Jones (6-3, 5-1) did just enough to stay comfortably ahead most of the game. Turnovers in the second and third quarter kept the game from getting out of hand.
Grissom put up a fight early forcing a turnover on downs on Bob Jones first drive.
The difference in the game was the Patriots had Demontrez Brown and quarterback Caden Rose got the ball to him anyway he could. The Patriots first score came on a jet sweep handoff to Brown who raced 10 yards to make it 7-0 after Jacob Fruewald’s extra point.
Rose then went deep to Brown who ran under a 65-yard bomb to make it 14-0.
From that point on the Patriot’s offense sputtered.
Despite benefiting from a pass interference penalty, the Patriots turned the ball over on downs at the six-yard line. Even the throwback pass to Dylan Ray was defended well by Grissom and Bob Jones punted just before halftime.
Bob Jones head coach Kevin Rose said he knew Grissom would play the Patriots tough.
“There are no easy games in this region. Every week you got to play at a high level. You have to protect the football and we didn’t do that tonight and when we do that we are going to struggle.”
In the third quarter Rose dropped the ball on a pass play and Bob Jones’ first drive ended at the Grissom 15-yard line. Rose bounced back and connected with Brown on a 58-yard touchdown pass.
Leading 21-0, Rose fumbled a handoff for another turnover.
Bob Jones defensive back Branden Fearn got an interception to end Grissom’s last drive.
“We had a big win last week and it put us in a position to lock down that #2 seed tonight and we did. We did it on defense. They pitched a shutout. They were the story tonight,” Coach Kevin Rose said.
Bob Jones seniors have stepped up to make the difference the last two weeks. Three of them Kade Koler, Gavin Lewis, and Demontrez Brown were named All-State last week.
Next week another tough task and a trip to Buckhorn who has been eliminated from the playoff race. Bob Jones first round playoff opponent will be Mountain Brook.