Bob Jones High School Football Booster Website: 2007/2008 Seasons
Friday, April 102008 Round-Up
2008 Regular Season Schedule Helmets courtesy of The Alabama Helmet Project |
||||||||||
|
||||||||||
| 2008 Post-Season Schedule |
||||||||||
|
Friday, April 10
2008 Alabama 6A Region 8 Standings
Online 2008 6A Football Schedules Top 4 Advance to State Playoffs and will play Region 7
|
Alabama 6A |
Region |
Overall |
Last / Next / On-Deck / Rest |
Wins/Losses |
 #1 - Huntsville |
7-1 |
10-4 |
@ Hoover L (7-28) Semi-Finals |
W-SP,GR,DC,AU,BJ,BH, HG,CC,BJ,HT L-FL,OX,SPP,HO |
 #3 - Bob Jones |
5-3 |
7-5 |
@Huntsville (MF) L (0-14) 2nd Round |
W-HG,FL,GR,AU,SP,BT, OX L-BH,DC,HW,HU,HU |
 #2 Seed - Decatur |
6-2 | 7-4 | Gadsden City (6-4) L (28-35) 1st Round |
W-AU,PA,BJ,BH,HG,FL,GR L-SP,HU,HA,GC |
 #4 Seed - Austin |
5-3 |
5-6 |
@ Hewitt-Trussville (7-3) L (17-18) 1st Round |
W-GR,HG,FL,SP,BH L-DC,TH,HU,BJ,AU,HT |
 Florence |
5-3 | 5-5 | Season Over | W-HG,BU,HU,SP,GR,BC L-BJ,AU,DC,MN |
 Buckhorn |
4-4 |
5-5 |
Season Over | W-BJ,HG,SP,GR,CC L-FL,DC,OM,HU,AU |
 Sparkman |
3-5 |
3-7 |
Season Over | W-DC,HG,GR L-HU,WB,BH,FL,AU,BJ,HV |
 Grissom |
1-7 |
3-7 |
Season Over | W-BT,HG,LE L-HU,AU,BJ,BH,FL,SP,DC |
 Hazel Green |
0-8 |
0-10 |
Season Over | L-FL,BJ,BU,AU,SP,GR,DC, CH,HU,AT |
|
AHSAA 6A State Playoff Finals |
||||
 |
 |
2008 Times Elite Football
|
 |
From the nearly 50 football-playing schools in The Huntsville Times coverage area, comes this collection of top players from the 2008 season. Hailing from programs large and small, some produced gaudy statistics and some merely played the roles their teams required. But the common thread is all stood out in the minds of coachesand our prep writers.
Coach of the Year - Kevin Wiseman (Huntsville High)
Player of the Year - Tana Patrick (North Jackson)
Offensive MVP - T.J. Gurley (Madison County)
Defensive MVP - Jimmy Eye (Huntsville High)
|
1st Team |
|
| Elite Offense | Elite Defense |
| Marquez Jones (Hartselle) | William Ming (Athens) |
| Drew Phillips (Boaz) | Brandon Day (Madison County) |
| David Solomon (Elkmont) | Foster Krueger (Bob Jones) |
| Freddie Moore (Austin) | Connor Moore (Grissom) |
| Brooks Johnson (Decatur) | Tana Patrick (North Jackson) |
| Amos Draper (Tanner) | Connor Neighbors (Huntsville) |
| L.J. Abrams (Bob Jones) | Deterian Shackelford (Austin) |
| Justin Goodrich (Buckhorn) | Shingin Lee (North Jackson) |
| Russell Powell (Hartselle) | Sam Chaney (East Limestone) |
| Riley Siniard (Huntsville) | Jason Smith (Madison County) |
| Lemeco Miller (Buckhorn) | Darryl Martin (Huntsville) |
| Martin Patton (Huntsville) | Jacob Hillis (Madison County) |
|
2nd Team |
|
| Elite Offense | Elite Defense |
| QB: Brian Park (Westminster) | DL: Blake Herrin (Huntsville) |
| QB: Holt Claiborne (Columbia) | DL: Tim Pruitt (Madison County) |
| RB: Tray Cosby (Tanner) | DL: Chase Williams (Boaz) |
| RB: Trai Ragland (Bob Jones) | DL: Will Thompson (Buckhorn) |
| OL: Jake Wood (Madison County) | LB: Craig Orr (Hartselle) |
| OL: Patrick Junen (Huntsville) | LB: David Reeves (Hartselle) |
| OL: Levon Green (Sparkman) | LB: Fred Benjamin (Johnson) |
| OL: James Long (Madison Academy) | DB: Tori Hereford (Columbia) |
| OL: Sean Eaton (Grissom) | DB: Jeffrey Boyce (Lee) |
| WR: Tucker Bridges (Guntersville) | DB: Jerel Johnson (Butler) |
| WR: Kameron Clay (Huntsville) | DB: Parker Adams (Boaz) |
| WR: Aaron Sherrill (Bob Jones) | P: Zach Hinson (Sparkman) |
| PK: Grant Talbert (East Limestone) | ATH: Jeremy Whitaker (New Hope) |
| ATH: Jordan Matthews (Madison Academy) | |
Honorable Mentions
Offensive - Dewayne Allison of Albertville; Owen Kilmiry of Ardmore; Robby Spruiell of Boaz; Tyler McCammon and Nick Acosta of Bob Jones; Jeremy Carter of Butler; Jamison Bridges, Brandon Sandifer and James McElyea of Clements; Centario Langford of Columbia, Chris Coffey and Ben Neill of Decatur; Joseph Moore and Jack Sykstus of Grissom; Corey Cahill and Luke Ayers of Guntersville; Jeremy Isabelle of Johnson; Shedrick Askew and Xavier Norwood of Lee; Kenneth Horton, Travis Eakin and Romelle Rice of Madison Academy; Kyle Gurley and Jake Long of New Hope; A.J. Matthews of North Jackson; Matt Bradford of Sparkman; Andy McWilliams of Westminster.
Defensive - Clint Carroll of Ardmore; Darian Sharp of Buckhorn; Dominique Burton and Dylan Whisenant of Brewer; Robert Flowers of Columbia; Seth Bachelor of Clements; Carrington Bibb of Hartselle; Andrew Dempsey of Hazel Green; DeMario McNeal and Jeremy Isabelle of Johnson; Kyle Gurley, Dustin Patterson and Preston Moore of New Hope; A.J. Matthews of North Jackson; Blake Fielder of Scottsboro; Anthony Orr and Joe Ivey of Sparkman; Josh Cyr of Westminster.
 |
|
2008 Patriot Football Banquet
The annual BJHS Patriot Football Banquet was held on Monday night, December 8, 2008 at the Von Braun Center, North Hall.
The awards that were given are listed below:
|
Team Captains: Aaron Sherrill/Nathan Johnson |
|||
| Offensive MVPs: Nick Acosta |
Offensive Lineman Award: Tyler McCammon |
Offensive Back Award: Trai Ragland |
Outside Receiver Award: Aaron Sherrill/Arthur Brackett |
| Inside Receiver Award: Ricky Fernandez |
Most Improved: Javin Crutcher/Blair Russell |
||
| Defensive MVP: Foster Krueger |
Defensive Lineman Award: Foster Krueger |
Linebacker Award: Branden O'Hara |
Defensive Back Award: Irvin Stewart |
|
Most Improved: Jeremy Brackett/Jake Larsen |
|||
|
Patriot Award: Tim O'Neill |
110% Award:
Josh McQuitty |
Special Teams Award: Xavier Gaddy/Reggie Ragland |
Drew McCammon Award: Nathan Johnson/Hunter Hovis/Tony Hodge |
|
Best G.P.A.: Jarrod Parkes |
|||
|
|
Patriots go with Rose
| |
 | |
| Coach Kevin Rose | |
Bob Jones High coordinator slated to land promotion today
Tuesday, February 03, 2009, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
MADISON - Bob Jones High officials have called a press conference today to announce the hiring of Kevin Rose as the Patriots' new football coach. Rose will be introduced at 10 a.m. at the school, sources told The Times. Rose, who served as the Patriots' offensive coordinator this past season, replaces Shannon Brown. He resigned following Bob Jones' 7-5 season after serving five years as head coach. The team posted a 28-28 record during his tenure. Rose was selected among four candidates Bob Jones targeted - Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman, Colbert County coach Cody Gross and former Pelham, Decatur and Athens coach Steve Rivers. Rose was previously head coach and athletic director at Sheffield for seven seasons, compiling a 43-35 record from 2000-2006. He then moved to Hoover and was offensive coordinator during Rush Propst's last season in 2007. He joined Brown's staff prior to last year, helping the Patriots advance to the second round of the state playoffs before losing 14-0 to Huntsville. Wieseman became an attractive candidate after leading Huntsville to its first appearance in the state semifinals since 1981. He was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A Coach of the Year. Wieseman, 46-34 in seven seasons with the Panthers after serving for 10 years as an assistant, wouldn't have received a substantial standard pay raise by making the move. But since the Bob Jones job pays based on a 12-month salary compared to Huntsville City School's nine-month schedule the money would have been significantly more. Gross has gone 22-6 in two years at Colbert Country. He was a star quarterback at UNA. Rivers spent one season at Pelham, then moved to Decatur for 15 seasons. He coached at Athens for four years before leaving for a job in North Carolina so he could watch his son, current San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip, play at North Carolina State. From 1980-99, Rivers, whose youngest son Steven started at quarterback for Austin last season, compiled a 146-74 record in Alabama... (Taken from the Huntsville Times)
MADISON - Bob Jones High officials have called a press conference today to announce the hiring of Kevin Rose as the Patriots' new football coach. Rose will be introduced at 10 a.m. at the school, sources told The Times. Rose, who served as the Patriots' offensive coordinator this past season, replaces Shannon Brown. He resigned following Bob Jones' 7-5 season after serving five years as head coach. The team posted a 28-28 record during his tenure. Rose was selected among four candidates Bob Jones targeted - Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman, Colbert County coach Cody Gross and former Pelham, Decatur and Athens coach Steve Rivers. Rose was previously head coach and athletic director at Sheffield for seven seasons, compiling a 43-35 record from 2000-2006. He then moved to Hoover and was offensive coordinator during Rush Propst's last season in 2007. He joined Brown's staff prior to last year, helping the Patriots advance to the second round of the state playoffs before losing 14-0 to Huntsville. Wieseman became an attractive candidate after leading Huntsville to its first appearance in the state semifinals since 1981. He was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 6A Coach of the Year. Wieseman, 46-34 in seven seasons with the Panthers after serving for 10 years as an assistant, wouldn't have received a substantial standard pay raise by making the move. But since the Bob Jones job pays based on a 12-month salary compared to Huntsville City School's nine-month schedule the money would have been significantly more. Gross has gone 22-6 in two years at Colbert Country. He was a star quarterback at UNA. Rivers spent one season at Pelham, then moved to Decatur for 15 seasons. He coached at Athens for four years before leaving for a job in North Carolina so he could watch his son, current San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip, play at North Carolina State. From 1980-99, Rivers, whose youngest son Steven started at quarterback for Austin last season, compiled a 146-74 record in Alabama... (Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Banquet ends successful for Patriot football
Bob Jones 'ever so closer to a Super 6 appearance,' coach Brown says
Wednesday, December 17, 2008, By BOB LABBE, For the Madison Spirit bob0873@yahoo.com
Adversity and change marked the 2008 football season at Bob Jones High School. The Patriots continued to be one of best football teams in the area. The season was officially completed with the annual Patriots Football Awards Banquet. "I especially would like to thank the senior class for helping us move ever so closer to a Super 6 appearance," said head coach Shannon Brown. The Patriots' record was 7-5, and the team had a second-round appearance in the state playoffs. The second round is the best postseason playoffs showing for a Bob Jones team in the school's history. After posting a first-round 48-45 victory over Oxford High School, the Patriots lost in a rematch to the Huntsville Panthers 14-0 in a driving rainstorm. The regular season included wins over Hazel Green, Florence, Grissom, Austin, Sparkman and Butler. Losses were against Buckhorn, Decatur, Homewood and Huntsville. "I am extremely proud and happy with the way this team performed this year. The boys made the most of the opportunity they were given," Brown said. "They played together as a team. My coaching staff worked hard and exemplified dedication to make this program great. With the school administration and parents support, we could not have achieved a successful season. I want to thank all of them." Before the season, the Patriots were put through tremendous physical and mental drills to help the players excel through the 2008 season. John Patton formulated strength, speed and agility fitness programs. They paid off since the season was extended into the playoffs. Booster Club president Brad Johnson was acknowledged for his countless volunteer hours. Brown said that was the support the football program needed. Brown also thanked his wife and children and added, "I would like to thank God for putting me in a position to positively impact so many young lives." The 2008 football awards handed out at the banquet included: Offensive Lineman - Tyler McCammon; Offensive Back - Trai Ragland; Receiver - Aaron Sherrill, Ricky Fernandez and Arthur Brackett; Offensive MVP - Nick Acosta; Defensive Lineman - Foster Krueger; Linebacker - Branden O'Hara; Defensive Back - Irvin Stewart; Defensive MVP - Foster Krueger; Most Improved - Jeremy Brackett, Jacob Larsen, Javin Crutcher and Blair Russell; 110-percent - Josh McQuitty; Special Teams - Xavier Gaddy and Reggie Ragland; Drew McCammon Award - Hunter Hovis, Nathan Johnson and Tony Hodge; Patriot Award - Tim O'Neill; Captains - Aaron Sherrill and Nathan Johnson; Best GPA - Jarrod Parkes.
|
|
Brown steps down at Bob Jones
| |
 | |
Five seasons enough for football coach, who exits with 28-28 record
Saturday, December 13, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
Shannon Brown resigned as football coach at Bob Jones High School on Friday morning, suggesting he would consider a move into administration. "I need to take a little time off and get my thoughts cleared up," said Brown, who was 28-28 in five years at Bob Jones, including this season's 7-5 record that ended with a 14-0 loss to Huntsville in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. The resignation comes less than a week after Ronny Massey was forced out as coach at Grissom. Brown, however, said he felt no pressure to step down, especially not after the Patriots upset No. 6 Oxford 48-45 in the playoffs' first round. "We made the playoffs the past four years," Brown said. "We had a great performance against Oxford." Brown's teams at Bob Jones turned out records of 3-7, 7-5, 5-6, 6-5 and 7-5. In a letter of resignation, Brown wrote: "At this time in my career I'm looking to go in a different direction." Bob Jones principal Robby Parker indicated Brown - a former defensive lineman at the University of Alabama and with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons - could be interested in an administrative position at the school. "We had a meeting, and after discussion he resigned," said Parker, who complimented Brown for the strength of the program. "I think our football situation is great. I think we are one of the premier schools in the state," Parker said. "Our program is in tremendous shape and Shannon Brown has done a tremendous job." Parker said he anticipates more than 100 players trying out for the team in 2009. Brown has a teaching position at Bob Jones and said he intends to remain there through the 2008-09 school year...(Taken in Full from the Huntsville Times)
Saturday, December 13, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
Shannon Brown resigned as football coach at Bob Jones High School on Friday morning, suggesting he would consider a move into administration. "I need to take a little time off and get my thoughts cleared up," said Brown, who was 28-28 in five years at Bob Jones, including this season's 7-5 record that ended with a 14-0 loss to Huntsville in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs. The resignation comes less than a week after Ronny Massey was forced out as coach at Grissom. Brown, however, said he felt no pressure to step down, especially not after the Patriots upset No. 6 Oxford 48-45 in the playoffs' first round. "We made the playoffs the past four years," Brown said. "We had a great performance against Oxford." Brown's teams at Bob Jones turned out records of 3-7, 7-5, 5-6, 6-5 and 7-5. In a letter of resignation, Brown wrote: "At this time in my career I'm looking to go in a different direction." Bob Jones principal Robby Parker indicated Brown - a former defensive lineman at the University of Alabama and with the NFL's Atlanta Falcons - could be interested in an administrative position at the school. "We had a meeting, and after discussion he resigned," said Parker, who complimented Brown for the strength of the program. "I think our football situation is great. I think we are one of the premier schools in the state," Parker said. "Our program is in tremendous shape and Shannon Brown has done a tremendous job." Parker said he anticipates more than 100 players trying out for the team in 2009. Brown has a teaching position at Bob Jones and said he intends to remain there through the 2008-09 school year...(Taken in Full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Panthers expecting fight from .500 foe
Huntsville hosts skidding team from Clay-Chalkville
Tuesday, November 04, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
Clay-Chalkville High School's football team has lost three straight games and four of its last five, including a 21-7 setback at Buckhorn last week to end the regular season. But Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman cautioned that his region-champion team expects a battle when the Class 6A state playoffs start Friday night. Huntsville (7-3), the No. 1 seed from Region 8, hosts Clay-Chalkville (5-5), the No. 4 seed from Region 7, in the first round of the playoffs at Milton Frank Stadium. "The score last week (vs. Buckhorn) wasn't indicative of Clay-Chalkville, because they didn't play some starters," said Wieseman, whose Panthers beat Buckhorn 20-6 in Week 8. Eight starters were sidelined last week for a Clay-Chalkville team beset by injuries. Top running back D'Jarnett Vinson hasn't played since being injured during a 21-3 loss to Oxford in Week 7, and fullback Darrin Reaves was hurt during a 28-12 loss to Gadsden City in Week 9. Wieseman said he expects those two players, as well as most of the Cougars' starters, to play this week for a team that he said "averages about 280 on up front on offense and 265-270 on defense." The Cougars feature 6-foot-6, 300-pound defensive tackle Quinton Dial, who committed to Alabama. "They're really good up front," Wieseman said. Huntsville is coming off a 7-0 loss to Spain Park. While Wieseman was disappointed by not scoring in a game that featured 11 turnovers, he was pleased with the defense. "Going down to compete against Birmingham schools is never going to hurt you," he said. "That's the same team that put up 24 points on Hoover (in a 34-24 loss), and the seven points they got came off a turnover." In another 6A game matching Regions 7 and 8, Bob Jones (6-4) hits the road with a three-game winning streak to face Oxford (8-2), which was ranked No. 6 last week before losing 28-24 to No. 2 Tuscaloosa County. Bob Jones is bracing for what coach Shannon Brown said will be the fastest team his Patriots have seen this season. "The biggest thing for us is we've got to put together a full game and that's something we haven't had this year," Brown said. "We've got to have one heartbeat. We haven't seen the team speed overall like we'll see Friday night.' Oxford, which beat Huntsville 26-3 in a midseason game, features dual-threat quarterback Judd Edwards. "They're a good football team," Brown said, "but so are we." Madison County (9-1) is the top seed in 5A, Region 7 and entertains Region 8's No. 4 East Limestone (4-6). The game is a rematch of Madison County's 30-12 win last week in the regular-season finale for both teams...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
Tuesday, November 04, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
Clay-Chalkville High School's football team has lost three straight games and four of its last five, including a 21-7 setback at Buckhorn last week to end the regular season. But Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman cautioned that his region-champion team expects a battle when the Class 6A state playoffs start Friday night. Huntsville (7-3), the No. 1 seed from Region 8, hosts Clay-Chalkville (5-5), the No. 4 seed from Region 7, in the first round of the playoffs at Milton Frank Stadium. "The score last week (vs. Buckhorn) wasn't indicative of Clay-Chalkville, because they didn't play some starters," said Wieseman, whose Panthers beat Buckhorn 20-6 in Week 8. Eight starters were sidelined last week for a Clay-Chalkville team beset by injuries. Top running back D'Jarnett Vinson hasn't played since being injured during a 21-3 loss to Oxford in Week 7, and fullback Darrin Reaves was hurt during a 28-12 loss to Gadsden City in Week 9. Wieseman said he expects those two players, as well as most of the Cougars' starters, to play this week for a team that he said "averages about 280 on up front on offense and 265-270 on defense." The Cougars feature 6-foot-6, 300-pound defensive tackle Quinton Dial, who committed to Alabama. "They're really good up front," Wieseman said. Huntsville is coming off a 7-0 loss to Spain Park. While Wieseman was disappointed by not scoring in a game that featured 11 turnovers, he was pleased with the defense. "Going down to compete against Birmingham schools is never going to hurt you," he said. "That's the same team that put up 24 points on Hoover (in a 34-24 loss), and the seven points they got came off a turnover." In another 6A game matching Regions 7 and 8, Bob Jones (6-4) hits the road with a three-game winning streak to face Oxford (8-2), which was ranked No. 6 last week before losing 28-24 to No. 2 Tuscaloosa County. Bob Jones is bracing for what coach Shannon Brown said will be the fastest team his Patriots have seen this season. "The biggest thing for us is we've got to put together a full game and that's something we haven't had this year," Brown said. "We've got to have one heartbeat. We haven't seen the team speed overall like we'll see Friday night.' Oxford, which beat Huntsville 26-3 in a midseason game, features dual-threat quarterback Judd Edwards. "They're a good football team," Brown said, "but so are we." Madison County (9-1) is the top seed in 5A, Region 7 and entertains Region 8's No. 4 East Limestone (4-6). The game is a rematch of Madison County's 30-12 win last week in the regular-season finale for both teams...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Season ends with flourish for Buckhorn
Bucks come alive in second half to drop Clay-Chalkville, 21-7
NEW MARKET - A second-half momentum shift helped Buckhorn take a 21-7 win over playoff-bound Clay-Chalkville on Friday. With the win, the Bucks ended a four-game losing streak to close out the season 5-5. The Cougars appeared to have its way with Buckhorn early in the first quarter. Clay-Chalkville stopped the Bucks on their initial possession. On the ensuing possession, the Cougars drove 63 yards on three plays with Kevin Bennett plunging in from a yard out. The PAT made it 7-0 with 9:49 left in the first quarter. Clay-Chalkville had red-zone opportunities the rest of the half, but each time the Bucks defense rose to the occasion. The Cougars led 7-0 at halftime. The game changed for the Bucks with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. Quin Otte picked off a Cougars pass and raced 65 yards for a score. Nick Luna's PAT tied it at 7-7. "That was a big play for them," Clay-Chalkville coach Brent Smith said. "All the credit goes to Buckhorn. Coach (Michael) Jackson did a great job, and (they) played great defense." In the fourth quarter, the Bucks offense finally got untracked. With 7:10 left in the game, Marquis Smith rushed around right end for a 56-yard touchdown. The PAT gave the Bucks a 14-7 lead. Senior Lemeco Miller scored Buckhorn's final touchdown with 58 seconds remaining in the game. "I'm just happy for our seniors," Jackson said. "They fought through a season of ups and downs and ended their career with a great victory over a good team." Clay-Chalkville (5-5) will return to north Alabama next Friday to face Huntsville High in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs... Saturday, November 01, 2008, By CARLTON RICE, Special to The Times
NEW MARKET - A second-half momentum shift helped Buckhorn take a 21-7 win over playoff-bound Clay-Chalkville on Friday. With the win, the Bucks ended a four-game losing streak to close out the season 5-5. The Cougars appeared to have its way with Buckhorn early in the first quarter. Clay-Chalkville stopped the Bucks on their initial possession. On the ensuing possession, the Cougars drove 63 yards on three plays with Kevin Bennett plunging in from a yard out. The PAT made it 7-0 with 9:49 left in the first quarter. Clay-Chalkville had red-zone opportunities the rest of the half, but each time the Bucks defense rose to the occasion. The Cougars led 7-0 at halftime. The game changed for the Bucks with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter. Quin Otte picked off a Cougars pass and raced 65 yards for a score. Nick Luna's PAT tied it at 7-7. "That was a big play for them," Clay-Chalkville coach Brent Smith said. "All the credit goes to Buckhorn. Coach (Michael) Jackson did a great job, and (they) played great defense." In the fourth quarter, the Bucks offense finally got untracked. With 7:10 left in the game, Marquis Smith rushed around right end for a 56-yard touchdown. The PAT gave the Bucks a 14-7 lead. Senior Lemeco Miller scored Buckhorn's final touchdown with 58 seconds remaining in the game. "I'm just happy for our seniors," Jackson said. "They fought through a season of ups and downs and ended their career with a great victory over a good team." Clay-Chalkville (5-5) will return to north Alabama next Friday to face Huntsville High in the first round of the Class 6A state playoffs... Saturday, November 01, 2008, By CARLTON RICE, Special to The Times
|
|
Austin bounces Buckhorn in OT
Saturday, October 25, 2008, By SKIP VAUGHN, For The Times
DECATUR - The fourth and final playoff berth in Class 6A, Region 8 hinged on Friday night's game between Buckhorn and Austin. "If we beat Austin, we're in," Buckhorn coach Michael Jackson said. "We have to win to get in," Austin coach David Norwood said. "We have to beat Buckhorn or we're not in." Austin punched its postseason ticket by beating Buckhorn 27-24 in overtime at Ogle Stadium. The Black Bears improved to 5-4 overall and 5-3 in the region while the Bucks fell to 4-5, 4-4. Coupled with Bob Jones' win over Sparkman, Bob Jones makes the playoffs as the third seed and Austin goes as the fourth. "Our kids, I don't think they ever thought they were going to lose," Norwood said. "If you're going to beat Buckhorn, you've got to stop the run. And that's what we did second half." Tied 21-all after regulation, the Bucks got the ball first on the Austin 10 in overtime. But they had to settle for Nick Luna's 28-yard field goal. Austin won it on Jamal Buford's 2-yard run. "We just worked hard," said Buford, a senior running back. "We had good blocking. I love my O-line." Buckhorn got good production from running backs Marquis Smith and Lemeco Miller. Smith finished with 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Miller added 26 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. "Our kids laid it on the line tonight," Jackson said. "I'm real proud of our seniors. They played their guts out." "The ball bounced their way," Bucks senior linebacker Keith Young said. "It didn't go our way." The Bucks opened the scoring at 2:58 in the first quarter with a 15-play, 80-yard drive. Smith ran in from the 4 and Luna kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Buckhorn mounted an eight-play, 61-yard drive at 10:55 in the second. Miller scored from the 1. The Bucks went up 21-0 on quarterback Matt Broady's 27-yard pass to David Petty to cap a seven-play, 75-yard drive. But Austin answered quickly with J.J. Marshall's 85-yard kickoff return. Josh Lowman added the extra point and Buckhorn led 21-7 at halftime. The Black Bears closed within 21-14 when quarterback Stephen Rivers threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Moore late in the third quarter. Austin tied the score 21-all on Cornelius Birt's 13-yard run with 2:50 left in the fourth, forcing overtime. After Luna's 28-yard field goal in the extra period, Austin won it on Buford's 2-yard run. The regular season ends next Friday with Austin at Cullman while Buckhorn hosts Clay-Chalkville... (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
DECATUR - The fourth and final playoff berth in Class 6A, Region 8 hinged on Friday night's game between Buckhorn and Austin. "If we beat Austin, we're in," Buckhorn coach Michael Jackson said. "We have to win to get in," Austin coach David Norwood said. "We have to beat Buckhorn or we're not in." Austin punched its postseason ticket by beating Buckhorn 27-24 in overtime at Ogle Stadium. The Black Bears improved to 5-4 overall and 5-3 in the region while the Bucks fell to 4-5, 4-4. Coupled with Bob Jones' win over Sparkman, Bob Jones makes the playoffs as the third seed and Austin goes as the fourth. "Our kids, I don't think they ever thought they were going to lose," Norwood said. "If you're going to beat Buckhorn, you've got to stop the run. And that's what we did second half." Tied 21-all after regulation, the Bucks got the ball first on the Austin 10 in overtime. But they had to settle for Nick Luna's 28-yard field goal. Austin won it on Jamal Buford's 2-yard run. "We just worked hard," said Buford, a senior running back. "We had good blocking. I love my O-line." Buckhorn got good production from running backs Marquis Smith and Lemeco Miller. Smith finished with 175 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Miller added 26 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown. "Our kids laid it on the line tonight," Jackson said. "I'm real proud of our seniors. They played their guts out." "The ball bounced their way," Bucks senior linebacker Keith Young said. "It didn't go our way." The Bucks opened the scoring at 2:58 in the first quarter with a 15-play, 80-yard drive. Smith ran in from the 4 and Luna kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead. Buckhorn mounted an eight-play, 61-yard drive at 10:55 in the second. Miller scored from the 1. The Bucks went up 21-0 on quarterback Matt Broady's 27-yard pass to David Petty to cap a seven-play, 75-yard drive. But Austin answered quickly with J.J. Marshall's 85-yard kickoff return. Josh Lowman added the extra point and Buckhorn led 21-7 at halftime. The Black Bears closed within 21-14 when quarterback Stephen Rivers threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Freddie Moore late in the third quarter. Austin tied the score 21-all on Cornelius Birt's 13-yard run with 2:50 left in the fourth, forcing overtime. After Luna's 28-yard field goal in the extra period, Austin won it on Buford's 2-yard run. The regular season ends next Friday with Austin at Cullman while Buckhorn hosts Clay-Chalkville... (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Crown Huntsville High champions of Region 8
| |
 | |
Hazel Green no match for Panthers in 62-0 defeat
Friday, October 24, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
Friday, October 24, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
Statistics told a large story in Thursday night's Huntsville-Hazel Green football game. By halftime the Trojans had thrown four interceptions, lost two fumbles and failed to recover a kickoff. Huntsville used all that help at Milton Frank Stadium to pile up a six-touchdown halftime lead, coasting to a 62-0 homecoming victory and capturing the Class 6A, Region 8 championship to itself. Hazel Green fell for the 19th straight game. The last victory for the Trojans (0-9, 0-8) came at Anniston in the 2006 season finale. "It's a bad year of course," Hazel Green senior back Tyler Yarbrough said. "Some people want to hang their heads. You've got to keep on going." Alex Caldwell scored three touchdowns and Rodriguez Threatt two to lead the way for Huntsville (7-2, 7-1). Caldwell said his team benefited from earlier losses and mistakes. "I'm definitely excited," he said. "We had to take care of business and seal the deal." Caldwell scored Huntsville's first-quarter touchdowns, going in from the 2 to finish a 70-yard, 10-play drive, then scoring from the 5 as the Panthers drove 23 yards after a Hazel Green fumble. In the second quarter, Jared Bastin scored on a 21-yard keeper to finish a 57-yard drive. Huntsville then scored three touchdowns within a minute, 11 seconds. With 6:46 to go in the half, Threatt went in from the 1 following another Hazel Green fumble for a 27-0 lead. Seven seconds after Threatt's touchdown, Blake Herrin picked off a pass and returned it 20 yards to make it 34-0. Caldwell scored from the 16 with 5:35 left in the first half. The Panthers had begun from the Hazel Green 33 after the Trojans failed to field a kickoff. Huntsville led 41-0 at halftime. In the third quarter Huntsville drove 78 yards in five plays with Threat going the final 29 yards. Then quarterback Will Nunn went over from the 1 to complete a 30-yard march and it was 55-0. The Panthers got their final touchdown with 5:58 to play as Ishmal Jones went in from the 3 to finish a 60-yard drive. Martin Patton kicked six extra points and Daniel Phelps two for Huntsville. Caldwell ran 11 times for 85 yards, leading a Huntsville ground attack that piled up 310 yards. Hazel Green was limited to 14 rushing yards on 26 tries. The Trojans added 59 yards passing. Huntsville finishes the regular season next week at Spain Park. Hazel Green hosts Athens... (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Defense shines for Huntsville
Panthers stuff Buckhorn 20-6 to stay in first place
Saturday, October 18, 2008, By SKIP VAUGHN, For The Times skip.vaughn@htimes.com
Saturday, October 18, 2008, By SKIP VAUGHN, For The Times skip.vaughn@htimes.com
NEW MARKET - The Huntsville High football team was determined to spoil the 50th anniversary homecoming for Buckhorn High, which opened in 1958. The Panthers did just that Friday, staying in the hunt for a region title by beating the Bucks 20-6. The Panthers improved to 6-2 overall and 6-1 in Class 6A, Region 8. Buckhorn dropped to 4-4, 4-3. "Unbelievable defensive effort," Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman said. "We had so many opportunities offensively to score. But give Buckhorn credit - they rose up. They're hard nosed." Asked about the region race, Wieseman said, "All I know is if we win next week, we win outright. No doubt." Senior outside linebacker Grant Johnson recovered a fumble and made seven tackles. "We came together as a team," Johnson said. "We worked hard. We just came through when we needed to." Senior running back Darryl Martin had 10 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers. "It's not really about me, it's about the team," Martin said. "I couldn't have done it without my offensive line and the rest of my team." Huntsville opened the scoring at 7:51 in the second quarter on quarterback Jared Bastin's 33-yard run. Martin Patton kicked the extra point. The Panthers made the cushion 14-0 at 3:11 on Martin's 2-yard run, capping a six-play, 19-yard drive. This followed a fumble recovery by Johnson in Buckhorn territory. Buckhorn scored on Matt Broady's 38-yard pass to David Petty with 7:38 left in the game. The point after attempt was blocked, leaving the score 14-6. Huntsville answered when Martin capped an eight-play, 77-yard drive with his 3-yard run as time expired. "Our kids played with a lot of class and they played hard," Buckhorn coach Michael Jackson said. "We came out real hard," Bucks senior outside linebacker Nick Lindsey said. "Defensively, we were playing real good. I mean we gave a few plays here and there. We just couldn't pull it out."...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
 |
|
Hope floats
| |
 | |
By Jeff McIntyre, Assistant Sports Editor
FLORENCE - Shawn Southward refused to believe that Friday night was his final game at Braly Stadium. Southward and his Florence teammates played their final home game of the regular season, cruising to a 37-6 victory against Grissom."We're determined to get back home for the playoffs," the senior tailback said. "We're in pretty good shape right now, but we've got to get a win next week against Decatur. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we get it done and get to play here again." Southward did his part to keep Florence's playoff hopes alive Friday, rushing for 111 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns. Junior quarterback Bryce Curtis added two touchdown passes, while the Florence defense forced four turnovers. The win kept the Falcons alive in the playoff hunt in Class 6A, Region 8. Florence (5-2, 5-2) needs a win at Decatur next week to assure itself of a playoff berth. "It's just another step in what we need to do to secure a playoff spot," Florence coach Alvin Briggs said. "That's our main focus right now. Now we've got to take that next step next week against Decatur." Florence scored on each of its first five possessions to take a commanding 31-0 lead into halftime. Briggs was able to rest most of his starters for almost the entire second half. Grissom (2-5, 1-5) drove to the Florence 36 on the game's opening possession, but eventually turned the ball over on downs. The Falcons then marched 63 yards in seven plays to take a 7-0 lead. The score came on a fourth-and-7 play when Curtis threw a shovel pass to Southward, who broke outside and raced to the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. The Falcons struck again on their next possession. Curtis found J.J. Jackson over the middle for a 16-yard touchdown and Florence led 14-0. "We just had to go out and play hard," Southward said. "Our offense is clicking pretty well now, and our defense got some big stops." Florence added a 19-yard field goal by Bradley Addison to make it 17-0. After Houston White recovered a Grissom fumble at the Tigers' 3-yard line. Southward scored on a 2-yard run, pushing the lead to 24-0. Late in the half, the Falcons drove 69 yards in 16 plays for another score. Southward fumbled the ball as he was headed to the end zone, but Raheem McCray scooped up the loose ball and took it the final 2 yards, giving Florence a 31-0 halftime advantage. Backup quarterback Justin Whittaker closed out the scoring for Florence on the first series of the second half, taking an option pitch 40 yards. Florence's defense held the shutout until the Tigers scored with 8:56 remaining on a 27-yard pass from Dillon Ortman to Connor Moore. "Our defense showed some improvement tonight, although we still have some mistakes to iron out," Briggs said. "It's tough to play eight straight region games, but if we take care of business next week, it will work out for us." Jeff McIntyre can be reached at 740-5737 or jeff.mcintyre@timesdaily.com ...(Taken in full from the Times Daily)
|
|
Region 8 proves to be wild ride so far
The only certainty about the Class 6A, Region 8 football race entering the season was that there were no guarantees. Florence was tabbed the favorite, mostly because the Falcons had running back Shawn Southward returning for the defending region champion. But the team also had question marks, as did most of the nine region members. The smart money said the region would be up for grabs with as many as seven teams capable of earning one of four playoff berths. Just past the midway point, the smart money proved prophetic. Following yet another weekend of shakeups - or at least with two-loss Decatur blanking then one-loss Buckhorn 20-0 - the four playoff seeds indeed remain for the taking. Huntsville sits atop the standings with a 4-1 region record. But lurking only one game behind are five teams in Buckhorn(4-2), Florence (4-2), Austin (3-2), Bob Jones (3-2) and Decatur (3-2). Sparkman is still in the mix at 2-3, while Grissom (1-4) and Hazel Green (0-6) are out of the picture. "Our region is so good,' Florence coach Alvin Briggs said. "We play a tough game every week. You have to bring your A game every week, or you'll get beat.' It's been hard to get a handle on this region from week to week. Huntsville was on the verge of having a firm hold on the top seed, but a 35-14 fourth-quarter lead evaporated into a 41-35 overtime loss at Florence. The Panthers still control whether or not they finish No. 1, though. A week after that game, Austin rolled to a 48-21 win over Florence. Friday, Austin could muster only a late touchdown to avoid a shutout in losing 30-7 to Huntsville. That's been the norm. Sparkman lost to Huntsville in Week 1, then knocked off a Decatur team in Week 2 that had routed Austin to open the season. Buckhorn could've stayed even with Huntsville for the lead, but then absorbed the shutout against Decatur. And so on. It's why, Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman said, he scheduled a Week 5 game against then No. 5 Oxford (a 26-3 loss coming off the collapse against Florence) and a Week 10 game against 2008 finalist Spain Park. Despite losing in Oxford, Wieseman said he thought the Panthers were much better against Austin than they would have been playing a weaker non-region foe. "That's why we went to play that game, to get us ready for the second half of the season,' he said. "It worked for one game.' Huntsville mostly used its third-string tailback against Austin because Rodriguez Threatt was injured against Oxford and Alex Caldwell already had a bad ankle. "I'm sorry we got a running back hurt down there,' he said, "but you get to play at a different speed and I think our kids benefited tonight.' Whether or not they can keep winning in Region 8 is anybody's guess. Contact Mike Easterling at mike.easterling@htimes.com, Sunday, October 05, 2008
|
|
Southward sparks big region win
Falcons are still in the hunt for Region 8 title
By Bill Bryant, For the TimesDaily
HARVEST - A missed extra point isn't normally the kind of play a defense looks for to swing momentum its way. But given Florence's recent history on that side of the ball, it was willing to take anything it could get Friday night against Sparkman. Having allowed 129 points in its last three games - two of them Class 6A Region 8 losses - one less point meant plenty to Florence, especially after the Senators took the opening drive 80 yards for a touchdown. When the point-after clanked off the left upright, it seemed to jar the Falcons' awake. They allowed only six more first downs the rest of the way - two by penalty - in their 21-12 victory. "It wasn't a bad thing, that's for sure," Florence coach Alvin Briggs said of the missed kick. "Anytime that happens, it gives you a little boost. (After that first drive), we played big as a team." Speaking of playing big, tailback Shawn Southward fit the description. The senior rushed 22 times for 195 yards and scored twice for the Falcons (4-2, 4-2 Region 8), once on a 39-yard pass from quarterback Bryce Curtis and the other time on a 4-yard run. "He's just a player," Briggs said. "He's one of those kinds of guys who just loves the game." Before Southward got rolling, though, Curtis hooked up with Marcus Williams for Florence's first touchdown. On the first play following a Sparkman punt midway through the second quarter, Williams took a slant pass 48 yards for the score. Bradley Addison's extra point gave the Falcons a 7-6 lead, which they took to the lockerroom. On Florence's second possession of the third quarter, Southward took a shovel pass on second-and-16 and split the Senators defense for the touchdown and a 14-6 lead. When the Falcons stopped Sparkman offense yet again early in the fourth, it looked as though they were ready to put the game away. But Southward made his lone mistake of the night - fumbling at the Florence 40 - and the Senators recovered. Two plays later, Justin Pearson scored on a 46-yard run. "I felt I'd let my team down, and I wanted to do something to make up for it," Southward said. He did so by helping stop Sparkman tailback Antwon Thurman on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt. Then he gained 42 of Florence's 77 yards on its next drive, culminating with his game-clinching 4-yard scoring run...(Taken in full from the Times Daily)
|
|
Decatur shuts out Buckhorn
Saturday, October 04, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
NEW MARKET - Decatur coach Jere Adcock said it was almost like a switch went off for his team Friday night. The Red Raiders were dominant in their ball-control offense. Sophomore Desmond Lavelle ran for two touchdowns, and Decatur limited Buckhorn to only one real opportunity as the Red Raiders took a 20-0 victory. "We are seeing our kids start to play better technique than they have all year," he said. Josh Busby intercepted three passes for the Red Raiders. "Decatur played with much more urgency than we did," said Buckhorn coach Michael Jackson, whose team fell to 4-2 overall, 4-2 in Class 6A, Region 8. "I did a poor job of preparing our team. Decatur coaches had a great game plan and stuck to it." The main reason Decatur (4-2, 3-2) played ball control on this night was that Lavelle and fellow sophomore back Daniel Deffenbaugh were also asked to play defense. As Adcock said, they need some time to get a breather. Making the attack effective, Adcock thought, was the offensive line of center Lawson Hahn, guards Jacob Tutwiler and Tory Pelzer and tackles Christian Smith, Chris Steeples and Jordan Phillips. Tight end Brooks Johnson also played a key role. "We had to get Buckhorn knocked off the ball so we could control the ball," Johnson said. It began with Decatur's second possession, a 54-yard, eight-play drive. Lavelle went the final three yards and sophomore Spencer Walraven added the extra point. In the second quarter Decatur moved from its 27 to the Buckhorn 37 in seven plays, then quarterback Ben Neill found Cory Dodson in the end zone. Dodson outfought Darian Sharpe for the ball and the Red Raiders were up 13-0. In the final 1:18 of the first half Buckhorn went from its 32 to the Decatur 14 in six plays, Pierre Key then sacked quarterback Matt Broady and the clock ran out on the first half. Decatur went 63 yards in nine plays in the fourth quarter. Lavelle went the final 13 yards with 3:10 remaining. During that final drive Decatur's Tucker Rainey was injured and carted off the field. Reports from the field indicated a possible break above the ankle. Lavelle ran 19 times for 93 yards for Decatur. Johnson caught seven passes for 97 yards as part of an aerial attack that produced 208 yards. Buckhorn was limited to 66 yards rushing and 60 passing. Decatur is at Hazel Green next week. Buckhorn travels to Oak Mountain...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Huntsville wallops Austin in 6A romp
| |
 | |
Friday, October 03, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING Times Sports Staffmike.easterling@htimes.com
With a two-game losing streak weighing heavily on Huntsville High School's football team it entered this week looking to set the tone of the season's second half. To do it the Panthers faced the challenge of slowing down a hot Austin team that had averaged 46 points in winning three straight games. Huntsville can breathe easier today thanks to a dominating defensive effort that scored two touchdowns and had four overall turnovers. The Panthers eased away to an early lead, kept the Black Bears mostly bottled up until the offense got untracked in the second half and claimed a 30-7 win Thursday night at Milton Frank Stadium. Huntsville improved to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in Class 6A, Region 6. Austin fell to 3-3, 3-2. "Coach has been saying this is one of our cornerstone games, a game to build on,' Huntsville defensive lineman Jimmy Eye said. "We had to make a statement and let people know we're still in it.' Huntsville lost its bid for a third shutout in region play when Austin's Jamaal Buford raced around end for a 58-yard touchdown with 1:40 left to play. The issue had been settled by then, largely because Martin Patton kicked three field goals to help the offense take advantage of good field position and Coran Cook and Bobby Farmer both returned interceptions for touchdowns. Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman said he was happy to be back in town following road losses at Florence and Oxford. "First of all, it feels good to be home,' he said. He was also happy to see Huntsville stretch a 13-0 halftime lead to 30-0 before Austin scored. In the loss to Florence, Huntsville led 35-14 in the fourth quarter before losing 41-35 in overtime. "Once we got the lead we didn't let up,' Wieseman said. "We kept stepping on the gas.' Austin sophomore Stephen Rivers completed 18-of-29 passes for 143 yards but was intercepted three times. Of that total, 61 came on one pass. Austin rushed for 81 yards with 58 coming on the TD, and the Black Bears also lost a fumble. "We couldn't get anything going offensively,' Austin coach David Norwood said. "They had a great game plan.' Huntsville had 112 yards rushing and 129 passing. "I thought our defense played well,' Norwood said. A short punt set up Patton's first field goal, a 28-yarder that made it 3-0. Cook, making his first varsity start, then scored from Austin's 16-yard line on a pass tipped by Connor Neighbors with 6:12 to play in the first half. "They gave me a chance,' Cook said, "and I showed what I can do.' Patton added a 33-yard field goal for the 13-0 halftime lead. In the fourth quarter, Eric Russell caught an 11-yard TD pass from Jared Bastin, Farmer returned a pick 32 yards for a TD and Patton was good from 25 yards to make it 30-0. "Our offense struggled at the beginning,' Bastin said, "but the defense gave us field position and two touchdowns and you can't ask for more than that.'...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
With a two-game losing streak weighing heavily on Huntsville High School's football team it entered this week looking to set the tone of the season's second half. To do it the Panthers faced the challenge of slowing down a hot Austin team that had averaged 46 points in winning three straight games. Huntsville can breathe easier today thanks to a dominating defensive effort that scored two touchdowns and had four overall turnovers. The Panthers eased away to an early lead, kept the Black Bears mostly bottled up until the offense got untracked in the second half and claimed a 30-7 win Thursday night at Milton Frank Stadium. Huntsville improved to 4-2 overall and 4-1 in Class 6A, Region 6. Austin fell to 3-3, 3-2. "Coach has been saying this is one of our cornerstone games, a game to build on,' Huntsville defensive lineman Jimmy Eye said. "We had to make a statement and let people know we're still in it.' Huntsville lost its bid for a third shutout in region play when Austin's Jamaal Buford raced around end for a 58-yard touchdown with 1:40 left to play. The issue had been settled by then, largely because Martin Patton kicked three field goals to help the offense take advantage of good field position and Coran Cook and Bobby Farmer both returned interceptions for touchdowns. Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman said he was happy to be back in town following road losses at Florence and Oxford. "First of all, it feels good to be home,' he said. He was also happy to see Huntsville stretch a 13-0 halftime lead to 30-0 before Austin scored. In the loss to Florence, Huntsville led 35-14 in the fourth quarter before losing 41-35 in overtime. "Once we got the lead we didn't let up,' Wieseman said. "We kept stepping on the gas.' Austin sophomore Stephen Rivers completed 18-of-29 passes for 143 yards but was intercepted three times. Of that total, 61 came on one pass. Austin rushed for 81 yards with 58 coming on the TD, and the Black Bears also lost a fumble. "We couldn't get anything going offensively,' Austin coach David Norwood said. "They had a great game plan.' Huntsville had 112 yards rushing and 129 passing. "I thought our defense played well,' Norwood said. A short punt set up Patton's first field goal, a 28-yarder that made it 3-0. Cook, making his first varsity start, then scored from Austin's 16-yard line on a pass tipped by Connor Neighbors with 6:12 to play in the first half. "They gave me a chance,' Cook said, "and I showed what I can do.' Patton added a 33-yard field goal for the 13-0 halftime lead. In the fourth quarter, Eric Russell caught an 11-yard TD pass from Jared Bastin, Farmer returned a pick 32 yards for a TD and Patton was good from 25 yards to make it 30-0. "Our offense struggled at the beginning,' Bastin said, "but the defense gave us field position and two touchdowns and you can't ask for more than that.'...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Turnovers haunt Florence again in tough region loss
FLORENCE - There were no miracles at Braly Stadium on Friday night for Florence. After rallying last week from a 21-point deficit in the second half to beat Huntsville, the Falcons got steamrolled 48-21 by Austin and dropped out of a share of first place in the Class 6A, Region 8 standings in the process. Where did everything go wrong for Florence? Just about everywhere. Austin scored 28 points off four Falcons turnovers. Austin's offensive front manhandled the Falcons' defense. The Blackbears finished with 472 total yards - 250 rushing and 222 passing. After taking a 14-7 lead in the second quarter, Florence (3-2, 3-2 Region 8) surrendered 41 consecutive points. After rushing for 149 yards on 12 carries in the first half, star running back Shawn Southward was limited to three snaps in the second half because of cramps. Austin converted 7 of its first 12 third-down situations, and converted two fourth downs in the first half. Florence coach Alvin Briggs called the loss "embarrassing." "We weren't ready to play," he said. "It's my job to have us ready to play, and I didn't do a good job of that this week. I promised the team after the game that it wouldn't happen again." When asked if the players shared responsibility in being ready to play, Briggs reiterated that it's his job.It's my responsibility," he said. Austin's D'nico Best had an excellent outing for the Black Bears (3-2, 2-2), scoring three times. He took a shovel pass 69 yards for a score in the second quarter that tied the game at 14 and added TD runs of 3 and 12 yards. Quarterback Stephen Rivers was 18-of-32 for 22 yards and three scores. "That's a big win for us," Best said after finishing with 143 rushing yards and three catches for 83 yards. "We always knew we had the players, but this is the first time we've put it together and played all four quarters. The offensive line was great tonight. They opened the holes, and I just found them." Austin coach David Norwood echoed those sentiments. "Our offensive line did a great job," he said. "D'nico Best ran tough all night, and we had a great plan coming in. We've been preaching 48 minutes. We played 48 minutes tonight." Florence has now given up 46, 35 and 48 points in its last three games. The teams traded touchdowns in the first quarter. Austin turned the first of three Bryce Curtis interceptions into a 7-0 lead when Rivers zipped a 7-yard strike to Jacoby Moody four minutes into the game. Florence answered when Southward slipped out of the backfield and caught a 19-yard TD pass from Curtis. Curtis gave Florence its only lead when he hit Damien Simmons with a 13-yard TD pass on the third play of the second quarter. That was one of Florence's final highlights. Best started the rout when he grabbed a shovel pass from Rivers and raced 69 yards for the tying score on a third-down play on Austin's next possession. A 9-yard TD toss from Rivers to Freddie Moore gave Austin the lead for good at 21-14 with 5:20 to play in the half. Austin converted a Florence fumble into a 28-14 lead when Best slithered 3 yards for a score with seven seconds to play. "We knew we had to keep playing because they came back from 35-14 down last week against Huntsville," Best said. Interceptions on back-to-back plays in the third quarter helped put the game out of reach. Best ran 12 yards for one score ad Jerome White returned the second pick 32 yards to make it 41-14. By Gregg Dewalt, Sports Editor, Gregg Dewalt can be reached at 740-5748 or gregg.dewalt@timesdaily.com.
|
|
Buckhorn grinds past Grissom
Bucks running game helps earn 19-7 victory
Saturday, September 27, 2008, By SKIP VAUGHN, For The Times skip.vaughn@htimes.com
Buckhorn High football coach Michael Jackson said his team had to "run the ball effectively" to stave off a Grissom upset Friday night. The Bucks didn't run wild, but they controlled the football in a 19-7 win at Milton Frank Stadium. Buckhorn running back Marquis Smith had a productive night, gaining 95 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. "We started out kind of slow in the beginning," said Smith, a junior. "In the second half, we just had to get our minds right, stay focused on the game and come out with the win." Buckhorn improved to 4-1 overall and 4-1 in Class 6A, Region 8. "Our kids played their hearts out," said Grissom coach Ronny Massey, whose team fell to 1-4, 0-4. "We made a lot of mistakes in the first half. But Buckhorn's a good football team. I'm pleased our kids just put it all on the line." While Buckhorn's offense settled for field goals on two red-zone trips in the first half, the defense was watertight - limiting the Tigers to just 9 yards and zero first downs in the first half. "We just kept on playing tonight," said Buckhorn senior Lemeco Miller, who added 23 carries for 58 yards. "We played hard. Grissom came ready. We just kept on fighting with them." The Bucks opened the scoring with Nick Luna's 30-yard field goal at 5:56 in the first quarter, capping a 12-play, 65-yard drive. Quarterback Matt Broady threw a 12-yard touchdown to Quinn Otte at 1:22 after a seven-play, 32-yard drive. Luna's extra point upped the lead to 10-0. Luna added a 39-yard field goal at 9:45 in the second quarter for a 13-0 halftime lead. Smith's 3-yard run increased the lead to 19-0 in the third quarter. Grissom scored on Jarett Jackson's 52-yard run and James Taylor's extra point with nine minutes left in the game. This capped a five-play, 69-yard drive. Jackson finished with 14 carries for 117 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers, who had 149 overall. "Grissom did a great job game-planning," said Jackson, whose Bucks had 220 yards. "And our kids hung in there and made the plays that we had to make to win." (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Huntsville drops second straight
First-half woes seal 26-3 loss to Oxford
Saturday, September 27, 2008, By BILL BRYANT, Times Sports Staff bill.bryant@htimes.com
OXFORD - The wheels, already a bit wobbly after last week's fourth-quarter collapse against Florence, looked like they were about to come off. Huntsville High had allowed a 37-yard touchdown run, given up a safety and been beaten for a 52-yard scoring pass in a six-minute span late in the second quarter of Friday's game against Class 6A, fifth-ranked Oxford. "We came out in the first half confused and without much emotion," Panthers linebacker Grant Johnson said. "But the coaches got after us pretty good at halftime. We wanted to show that we had some heart." Huntsville managed to earn the moral victory, shutting out the hosts in the second half, but enough damage had been done in the first two quarters to give the Yellow Jackets the 26-3 win. "Our kids didn't run to the speed of the game in the first half," Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman said. "Once they understood what they needed to do, they stepped up and did it. "The reason we scheduled this game is to get us ready for the second half of the season. If we play at this speed for the next 16 quarters - the next four region games - we'll be all right." Huntsville (3-2) got off to a strong start defensively, stopping Oxford (5-0) on downs after the latter got its first possession near midfield. The Panthers, though, returned the favor, turning it over on downs. Yellow Jackets quarterback Judd Edwards wasted little time on the second drive, finding Ty Martin for a 53-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers, who struggled to move the ball in the first half - they finished with only 35 total yards - put together their lone scoring drive late in the opening quarter. A 34-yard pass from Jared Bastin to Kenneth Noojin provided the big highlight, leading to a 23-yard field goal by Martin Patton with 43.8 seconds to go in the period. Things began to fall apart for Huntsville, though, about midway through the second quarter. Edwards completed a 37-yard pass to Tavin Fletcher on third-and-10 and then two plays later Zebb Wright took a handoff, fumbled and then picked it right up on his way to a 37-yard touchdown. A bad snap put the Panthers in the shadow of their own goal line on their next drive, and it also put a shaken up Bastin temporarily on the bench. Noojin replaced him, but got called for intentional grounding in the end zone at the 6:07 mark. Oxford drove to a 45-yard field goal by Jimmy Newman after the ensuing punt, and then after forcing Huntsville to go three-and-out, Edwards and Fletcher hooked up for a 52-yard touchdown with 1:55 to go before halftime. "The second quarter just killed us," Wieseman said. "All of a sudden, we got wide-eyed. It was only 7-3 after the first quarter, but something happened." Getting that something fixed during halftime became Wieseman's main concern. Limiting the Yellow Jackets to 36 yards in the final 16 minutes helped ease his mind for the time being. "These guys know what playing for Huntsville High is all about," Wieseman said. "They showed me something. We came back and played hard, and that's all you can ask."
OXFORD - The wheels, already a bit wobbly after last week's fourth-quarter collapse against Florence, looked like they were about to come off. Huntsville High had allowed a 37-yard touchdown run, given up a safety and been beaten for a 52-yard scoring pass in a six-minute span late in the second quarter of Friday's game against Class 6A, fifth-ranked Oxford. "We came out in the first half confused and without much emotion," Panthers linebacker Grant Johnson said. "But the coaches got after us pretty good at halftime. We wanted to show that we had some heart." Huntsville managed to earn the moral victory, shutting out the hosts in the second half, but enough damage had been done in the first two quarters to give the Yellow Jackets the 26-3 win. "Our kids didn't run to the speed of the game in the first half," Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman said. "Once they understood what they needed to do, they stepped up and did it. "The reason we scheduled this game is to get us ready for the second half of the season. If we play at this speed for the next 16 quarters - the next four region games - we'll be all right." Huntsville (3-2) got off to a strong start defensively, stopping Oxford (5-0) on downs after the latter got its first possession near midfield. The Panthers, though, returned the favor, turning it over on downs. Yellow Jackets quarterback Judd Edwards wasted little time on the second drive, finding Ty Martin for a 53-yard touchdown pass. The Panthers, who struggled to move the ball in the first half - they finished with only 35 total yards - put together their lone scoring drive late in the opening quarter. A 34-yard pass from Jared Bastin to Kenneth Noojin provided the big highlight, leading to a 23-yard field goal by Martin Patton with 43.8 seconds to go in the period. Things began to fall apart for Huntsville, though, about midway through the second quarter. Edwards completed a 37-yard pass to Tavin Fletcher on third-and-10 and then two plays later Zebb Wright took a handoff, fumbled and then picked it right up on his way to a 37-yard touchdown. A bad snap put the Panthers in the shadow of their own goal line on their next drive, and it also put a shaken up Bastin temporarily on the bench. Noojin replaced him, but got called for intentional grounding in the end zone at the 6:07 mark. Oxford drove to a 45-yard field goal by Jimmy Newman after the ensuing punt, and then after forcing Huntsville to go three-and-out, Edwards and Fletcher hooked up for a 52-yard touchdown with 1:55 to go before halftime. "The second quarter just killed us," Wieseman said. "All of a sudden, we got wide-eyed. It was only 7-3 after the first quarter, but something happened." Getting that something fixed during halftime became Wieseman's main concern. Limiting the Yellow Jackets to 36 yards in the final 16 minutes helped ease his mind for the time being. "These guys know what playing for Huntsville High is all about," Wieseman said. "They showed me something. We came back and played hard, and that's all you can ask."
|
|
Huntsville aiming to rebound at Oxford
Panthers' loss left Madison County as lone local unbeaten
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
Two local football teams entered Friday night with unbeaten records. And for three quarters, it looked like both would remain unscathed. But while Class 5A Madison County finished off Arab 45-14 to go 4-0, Class 6A Huntsville blew a three-touchdown lead in a 41-35 overtime loss at Florence. Huntsville (3-1), tied with Hoover for No. 8 in last week's state rankings, could fall out of the poll. Huntsville travels Friday to No. 5 Oxford in what was shaping up as a battle of unbeatens before Florence came roaring back to beat the Panthers in a Region 8 clash. "When we got back to the locker room, it took a while to calm them down,' Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman said. "But I keep telling them this region is going to be wacky. We're sitting here with five teams with one loss.' Oxford is a non-region game for Huntsville, but a chance to regain momentum and respect heading into the second half of the regular season. "It's going to take a day or two (to get over the loss),' Wieseman said. "It's going to take good leadership. We'll find out what kind of senior leadership we have. "We've got to keep the motor running or we'll go there and get embarrassed. Then we come back for four straight region games.' At Madison County, the Tigers are off to a 4-0 start for the third time since 1990 and for the second straight season. Last year in 4A, they started the season 8-0. The Tigers, who have yet to crack the top 10, will face Lee (2-2) this week.
Two local football teams entered Friday night with unbeaten records. And for three quarters, it looked like both would remain unscathed. But while Class 5A Madison County finished off Arab 45-14 to go 4-0, Class 6A Huntsville blew a three-touchdown lead in a 41-35 overtime loss at Florence. Huntsville (3-1), tied with Hoover for No. 8 in last week's state rankings, could fall out of the poll. Huntsville travels Friday to No. 5 Oxford in what was shaping up as a battle of unbeatens before Florence came roaring back to beat the Panthers in a Region 8 clash. "When we got back to the locker room, it took a while to calm them down,' Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman said. "But I keep telling them this region is going to be wacky. We're sitting here with five teams with one loss.' Oxford is a non-region game for Huntsville, but a chance to regain momentum and respect heading into the second half of the regular season. "It's going to take a day or two (to get over the loss),' Wieseman said. "It's going to take good leadership. We'll find out what kind of senior leadership we have. "We've got to keep the motor running or we'll go there and get embarrassed. Then we come back for four straight region games.' At Madison County, the Tigers are off to a 4-0 start for the third time since 1990 and for the second straight season. Last year in 4A, they started the season 8-0. The Tigers, who have yet to crack the top 10, will face Lee (2-2) this week.
|
|
Miller's return lifts Bucks over Senators
Running back's TDs highlight Buckhorn's 21-14 win vs. Sparkman
Saturday, September 20, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
NEW MARKET - When Buckhorn High's LeMeco Miller looped out of the backfield, took a swing pass from Matt Broady and outran the defense for a 50-yard touchdown, his welcome back party was underway. Miller, who missed two games with an injury, added another rushing touchdown and ran for 163 yards on 22 carries. Buckhorn needed all of it to subdue stubborn Sparkman 21-14 Friday night. The Bucks led 14-0 at halftime, squandered two chances to put the game away and then sealed the victory when Keith Young intercepted a pass near Buckhorn's 40-yard line with less than two minutes left in the game. "We knew they'd keep fighting,' Bucks coach Michael Jackson said after his team improved to 3-1 overall and in Class 6A, Region 8. "Our seniors did a good job at the end of us. We made some key plays.' The biggest may have been a kickoff return by Darian Sharpe after Sparkman scored ona 1-yard run by Matt Bradford to cut its deficit to 14-7 with 2:45 left in the third quarter. Sharpe returned the ball 40 yards from his 9 to the 49, pumping new life back into the Bucks. They scored in nine plays with Miller rushing in from the 19 with 9:42 remaining in the game. The third of three Nick Luna extra points made it 21-7. "We looked kind of down after they scored,' Sharpe said. "I had to get the momentum back for the offense.' Buckhorn, which had a touchdown called back near the end of the first half before missing a field goal, then drove to the Senators 11 before missing another field goal. Two plays later, Justin Pearson took a shuffle pass and went 80 yards for a TD. Nick Hinson's extra point made it 21-14 with 4:37 remaining. Sparkman forced a three-and-out and set up at its 47 following a punt with 2:31 left. Young, whose interception in the end zone preserved a season-opening win against Bob Jones, then stepped in front of a receiver for the game-clinching interception. Sparkman fell to 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the region. "I'm at a loss,' Senators coach Roger Haynes said. "We just don't play and why we don't play - I have no idea.' The Senators appeared to be lacking a spark in the first half as Buckhorn dominated. The Bucks rushed for 136 yards, and Broad passed for 119 more on 6-of-10 accuracy in the opening two quarters. Buckhorn's total of 255 dwarfed Sparkman's 46. "We played about the best as we have all year in the first half,' Broad said. "And that goes to those guys up front.' But the Bucks, who attempted only one pass in the second half, couldn't breathe easily until Young's interception. "I knew Sparkman wouldn't quit,' Jackson said. Miller got a block on the corner and raced past the rest of the Sparkman defense for the first TD, and Luna kicked it to 7-0. Buckhorn moved ahead 14-0 behind a nice catch-and-run over the middle by David Petty from Broady with 7:59 left in the first half. For the game, Buckhorn rushed for 237 of its 356 total yards. Sparkman finished with 205 yards, 134 of which came through the air.
NEW MARKET - When Buckhorn High's LeMeco Miller looped out of the backfield, took a swing pass from Matt Broady and outran the defense for a 50-yard touchdown, his welcome back party was underway. Miller, who missed two games with an injury, added another rushing touchdown and ran for 163 yards on 22 carries. Buckhorn needed all of it to subdue stubborn Sparkman 21-14 Friday night. The Bucks led 14-0 at halftime, squandered two chances to put the game away and then sealed the victory when Keith Young intercepted a pass near Buckhorn's 40-yard line with less than two minutes left in the game. "We knew they'd keep fighting,' Bucks coach Michael Jackson said after his team improved to 3-1 overall and in Class 6A, Region 8. "Our seniors did a good job at the end of us. We made some key plays.' The biggest may have been a kickoff return by Darian Sharpe after Sparkman scored ona 1-yard run by Matt Bradford to cut its deficit to 14-7 with 2:45 left in the third quarter. Sharpe returned the ball 40 yards from his 9 to the 49, pumping new life back into the Bucks. They scored in nine plays with Miller rushing in from the 19 with 9:42 remaining in the game. The third of three Nick Luna extra points made it 21-7. "We looked kind of down after they scored,' Sharpe said. "I had to get the momentum back for the offense.' Buckhorn, which had a touchdown called back near the end of the first half before missing a field goal, then drove to the Senators 11 before missing another field goal. Two plays later, Justin Pearson took a shuffle pass and went 80 yards for a TD. Nick Hinson's extra point made it 21-14 with 4:37 remaining. Sparkman forced a three-and-out and set up at its 47 following a punt with 2:31 left. Young, whose interception in the end zone preserved a season-opening win against Bob Jones, then stepped in front of a receiver for the game-clinching interception. Sparkman fell to 1-3 overall and 1-2 in the region. "I'm at a loss,' Senators coach Roger Haynes said. "We just don't play and why we don't play - I have no idea.' The Senators appeared to be lacking a spark in the first half as Buckhorn dominated. The Bucks rushed for 136 yards, and Broad passed for 119 more on 6-of-10 accuracy in the opening two quarters. Buckhorn's total of 255 dwarfed Sparkman's 46. "We played about the best as we have all year in the first half,' Broad said. "And that goes to those guys up front.' But the Bucks, who attempted only one pass in the second half, couldn't breathe easily until Young's interception. "I knew Sparkman wouldn't quit,' Jackson said. Miller got a block on the corner and raced past the rest of the Sparkman defense for the first TD, and Luna kicked it to 7-0. Buckhorn moved ahead 14-0 behind a nice catch-and-run over the middle by David Petty from Broady with 7:59 left in the first half. For the game, Buckhorn rushed for 237 of its 356 total yards. Sparkman finished with 205 yards, 134 of which came through the air.
|
|
Comeback for the ages
| |
 | |
| Photo by Matt McKean/TimesDaily | |
Florence fights back from 21 down vs. Huntsville
|
|
Fourth-quarter collapse sinks Huntsville
Florence storms back for 41-35 overtime win in 6A, Region 8 battle
Saturday, September 20, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.co
FLORENCE - For the second straight season, an unbeaten Huntsville High team faced Florence on the road. And for the second straight season, the Panthers fell in Braly Stadium. Huntsville, ranked eighth in Class 6A, blew a three-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter en route to a 41-35 loss in overtime. Damien Simmons scored on a 4-yard run in the extra period for Florence, and Huntsville's Darryl Martin blocked the extra-point try. When Huntsville (3-1, 3-1 in Class 6A, Region 8) got its four tries from the 10, the Panthers did not get past the 6, throwing two incomplete passes to end it. Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman thought his team got tired the second half. "We couldn't finish it," Wieseman said. "We have to learn to play through being tired. I also thought Florence made some adjustments, and we didn't counter-adjust." Florence coach Alvin Briggs was almost at a loss for words. "The stars lined up for us," Briggs said. "Everybody played hard. It was one of those things. I hate somebody lost." Huntsville drove 63 yards in eight plays with its second possession. Quarterback Jared Bastin scored on a keeper from the 3, and Martin Patton kicked the extra point. The next time the Panthers controlled the ball, they went 74 yards in eight plays. Alexander Caldwell went over right tackle for the final 8. A Florence punt following a fumbled snap traveled only 11 yards to the Falcons 33. Six plays later, Rodrigues Threatt went in from the 4 for a 21-0 score. Florence (3-1, 3-1) narrowed the margin to 21-6 with 6:41 left in the half. Quarterback Bryce Curtis took it in for the last 11 yards. Huntsville made it 28-6 with a 71-yard drive in 11 plays. Caldwell went the final 2 yards. Curtis responded by hitting five passes in an 86-yard march. He connected with J.J. Jackson for the final 16 yards, then connected with Damien Simmons for a 2-point conversion. Huntsville led 28-14 at the half. The Panthers drove 73 yards in six plays, capped by Threatt's 8-yard run with 19 seconds to go in the third. Sean Southward got loose for a 68-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Bradley Addison's kick cut Huntsville's lead to 35-21. The Falcons next went 71 yards in eight plays, scoring when Raheem McCray went 24 yards on a fourth-down reverse. Caldwell ran 12 times for 82 yards, and Bastin 17 for 82. Southward, who rushed for 15 in yards the first half, finished with 150 yards on 13 tries for the night. Next week, the Panthers travel to Oxford for one of their two non-region games this season... (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
Saturday, September 20, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.co
FLORENCE - For the second straight season, an unbeaten Huntsville High team faced Florence on the road. And for the second straight season, the Panthers fell in Braly Stadium. Huntsville, ranked eighth in Class 6A, blew a three-touchdown lead in the fourth quarter en route to a 41-35 loss in overtime. Damien Simmons scored on a 4-yard run in the extra period for Florence, and Huntsville's Darryl Martin blocked the extra-point try. When Huntsville (3-1, 3-1 in Class 6A, Region 8) got its four tries from the 10, the Panthers did not get past the 6, throwing two incomplete passes to end it. Huntsville coach Kevin Wieseman thought his team got tired the second half. "We couldn't finish it," Wieseman said. "We have to learn to play through being tired. I also thought Florence made some adjustments, and we didn't counter-adjust." Florence coach Alvin Briggs was almost at a loss for words. "The stars lined up for us," Briggs said. "Everybody played hard. It was one of those things. I hate somebody lost." Huntsville drove 63 yards in eight plays with its second possession. Quarterback Jared Bastin scored on a keeper from the 3, and Martin Patton kicked the extra point. The next time the Panthers controlled the ball, they went 74 yards in eight plays. Alexander Caldwell went over right tackle for the final 8. A Florence punt following a fumbled snap traveled only 11 yards to the Falcons 33. Six plays later, Rodrigues Threatt went in from the 4 for a 21-0 score. Florence (3-1, 3-1) narrowed the margin to 21-6 with 6:41 left in the half. Quarterback Bryce Curtis took it in for the last 11 yards. Huntsville made it 28-6 with a 71-yard drive in 11 plays. Caldwell went the final 2 yards. Curtis responded by hitting five passes in an 86-yard march. He connected with J.J. Jackson for the final 16 yards, then connected with Damien Simmons for a 2-point conversion. Huntsville led 28-14 at the half. The Panthers drove 73 yards in six plays, capped by Threatt's 8-yard run with 19 seconds to go in the third. Sean Southward got loose for a 68-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. Bradley Addison's kick cut Huntsville's lead to 35-21. The Falcons next went 71 yards in eight plays, scoring when Raheem McCray went 24 yards on a fourth-down reverse. Caldwell ran 12 times for 82 yards, and Bastin 17 for 82. Southward, who rushed for 15 in yards the first half, finished with 150 yards on 13 tries for the night. Next week, the Panthers travel to Oxford for one of their two non-region games this season... (Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
 |
|
Happy homecoming
|
 |
|
|
No sunshine for Sparkman in Fla.
Senators go down 31-14 to Fort Walton Beach
Saturday, September 13, 2008, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff john.ferry@htimes.com
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Despite losing star running back Matt Coffee to a second-quarter knee injury, Fort Walton Beach High put together scoring drives of 80 and 73 yards Friday to pull away from Sparkman 31-14. Fort Walton, ranked No. 8 in Florida's Class 4A, improved to 2-0, while Sparkman fell to 1-2. "Those two drives killed us," Sparkman linebacker Joe Ivey said. "Penalties and mistakes also hurt." The Senators trailed 10-6 at the half after Jarad Ricks hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass. Plus, Fort Walton seemed subdued by the loss of Coffee, a South Carolina commitment who's the brother of Alabama's Glen Coffee. "Our defense played lights out in the first half when Fort Walton had field position," Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said. "I was proud of our linebackers on screens and draws." The game started horribly as Camron Gillespie fumbled the opening kickoff and Fort Walton recovered on the Sparkman 17. On fourth down Don David kicked a 29-yard field goal. Sparkman punted four times in the first quarter, and Fort Walton spent all but one play of the period in Senators territory. Coffee scored on a 12-yard run with 7:41 left in the first and it was 10-0. Sparkman countered when Matt Bradford threw a pop pass to Ricks, who outran the Vikings secondary on a 62-yard score. The 2-point try failed, and Coffee suffered his injury in the final minute of the first half. "It was a knee," Fort Walton coach Mike Owens said. "It's touch and go." Fort Walton got the ball to begin the third quarter with an 80-yard drive in 10 plays, with Charlie Lott taking in a pass from the 6. Then came a 73-yard march in nine plays, with Robert Willis catching a 32-yard scoring pass from Luke Barnes to make it 24-6 with 4:04 left in the third. "We beat ourselves," said Sparkman defensive back Zach Humphrey. "We had missed tackles and mental mistakes." J.T. Wortham went in from the 1 with 9:29 remaining to stretch the Vikings' lead to 31-6. An Andrew Wagnon interception left Sparkman at the Fort Walton 35. On the seventh play Gillespie went in from the 3-yard line. Gillespie then ran for a 2-pointer. Fort Walton outgained Sparkman 341 yards to 258. The Senators visit Buckhorn next week...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. - Despite losing star running back Matt Coffee to a second-quarter knee injury, Fort Walton Beach High put together scoring drives of 80 and 73 yards Friday to pull away from Sparkman 31-14. Fort Walton, ranked No. 8 in Florida's Class 4A, improved to 2-0, while Sparkman fell to 1-2. "Those two drives killed us," Sparkman linebacker Joe Ivey said. "Penalties and mistakes also hurt." The Senators trailed 10-6 at the half after Jarad Ricks hauled in a 62-yard touchdown pass. Plus, Fort Walton seemed subdued by the loss of Coffee, a South Carolina commitment who's the brother of Alabama's Glen Coffee. "Our defense played lights out in the first half when Fort Walton had field position," Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said. "I was proud of our linebackers on screens and draws." The game started horribly as Camron Gillespie fumbled the opening kickoff and Fort Walton recovered on the Sparkman 17. On fourth down Don David kicked a 29-yard field goal. Sparkman punted four times in the first quarter, and Fort Walton spent all but one play of the period in Senators territory. Coffee scored on a 12-yard run with 7:41 left in the first and it was 10-0. Sparkman countered when Matt Bradford threw a pop pass to Ricks, who outran the Vikings secondary on a 62-yard score. The 2-point try failed, and Coffee suffered his injury in the final minute of the first half. "It was a knee," Fort Walton coach Mike Owens said. "It's touch and go." Fort Walton got the ball to begin the third quarter with an 80-yard drive in 10 plays, with Charlie Lott taking in a pass from the 6. Then came a 73-yard march in nine plays, with Robert Willis catching a 32-yard scoring pass from Luke Barnes to make it 24-6 with 4:04 left in the third. "We beat ourselves," said Sparkman defensive back Zach Humphrey. "We had missed tackles and mental mistakes." J.T. Wortham went in from the 1 with 9:29 remaining to stretch the Vikings' lead to 31-6. An Andrew Wagnon interception left Sparkman at the Fort Walton 35. On the seventh play Gillespie went in from the 3-yard line. Gillespie then ran for a 2-pointer. Fort Walton outgained Sparkman 341 yards to 258. The Senators visit Buckhorn next week...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Huntsville keeps rolling
, Huntsville finally gave up a touchdown, then gave up another. But those two scores came after the Panthers had taken an insurmountable lead in a 23-13 victory Friday night over Decatur at Milton Frank Stadium. On a night Huntsville celebrated its 100th year of high school football, it remained unbeaten at 3-0 overall and 3-0 in Class 6A, Region 8 against one of its oldest rivals. The Red Raiders fell to 1-2 and 0-2. Huntsville surged to a 16-0 first-quarter lead and led 23-0 before allowing its first TD of the season with 1:43 left to play the third quarter. "Coming off that win (over archrival Grissom) last week we were emotionally spent and physically spent,' Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman said. "And knowing the quality and character of Decatur, I knew we wouldn't be able to put them away. That's Decatur.' The Panthers got three interceptions overall, two by Jay Emerson. His first one set up Huntsville's first field goal, and he returned the next one 18 yards for a TD that made it 16-0 with 3:36 left in the first quarter. The Panthers also recovered a fumble to give them four turnovers, but they also committed three. Huntsville lost two fumbles - they recovered two more on dropped punt returns - and had an interception in the end zone. The interception came after a 50-yard TD pass from Jared Bastin to Gary Michael Ashcraft for a score was called back. Bastin completed 10-of-18 for 170 yards with the one interception and one touchdown. Of the eight incompletions, five were dropped. "We can't seem to keep the intensity up,' Bastin said. "Once we jump on teams, we've got to stay on them and put them away.' Huntsville got a 41-yard field goal by Martin Patton on the game's first possession, Emerson's first pick led to a 2-yard TD run by Darryl Martin and Emerson's return made it 16-0. Bastin threw an 8-yard TD run to Kameron Clay in the third. Decatur got on the board with an 11-yard pass from Ben Neill to Cory Dodson and added a 10-yard TD pass from Torin Duper to Adam Ferguson with 39 seconds remaining...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Huntsville gets second straight shutout
,
|
|
Senators survive Decatur 23-22
, HARVEST - The rain was almost Sparkman's nemesis. After the Senators trimmed a 13-point deficit to one with only 47.5 seconds left in the game, holder Justin Pearson picked up a slick ball on a botched snap on the potential-tying PAT kick and outran the Decatur defense to the corner of the end zone for the winning score in a 23-22 victory. Senators quarterback Matt Bradford had plunged in from the 1-yard line to make it 22-21 before Pearson's heroics. "I can't say enough about JP and his effort on the two-point conversion," Sparkman coach Roger Haynes said. Both teams' defense rose to the occasion early with neither team scoring on its first two possessions. The Senators got on the scoreboard first with 1:11 left in the first quarter on a 20-yard field goal from Zach Hinson. Decatur (1-1 overall, 1-1 in 6A, Region 8) struck back on the first play of the second quarter as quarterback Ben Neill hit Cody Dodson in stride on a 56-yard touchdown pass. Spencer Walraven's PAT gave Decatur a 7-3 lead. Midway through the second quarter, Pearson scored on a 1-yard plunge for a 9-7 halftime lead. On the first play of the third quarter, Sparkman running back Antwon Thurman couldn't hang on to a rain-soaked ball and fumbled deep in Sparkman territory. One play after a Decatur recovery, Chris Coffey ran it in from 6 yards out. Coffey also ran it in for the two-point conversion to give the Red Raiders a 15-9 lead. Coffey also scored on Decatur's next possession in the quarter for a 22-9 lead. "They dominated the third quarter, but we didn't quit," Haynes said. Sparkman turned the tide in the fourth quarter. The Senators scored on their first possession on another Bradford 1-yard run, closing the lead to 22-15. The Senators (1-1, 1-1) started their game-winning drive with 4:48 left in the game. "I have the greatest respect for (Decatur) Coach (Jere) Adcock; he and I are such great friends," Haynes said. "They (Decatur) feel real bad, but I'm proud of my kids to come back and have that great drive there at the end. Our offensive line was the difference tonight." Bradford led the Senators with 114 yards on 21 carries...(Taken in full from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Panthers pounce
| |
 | |
Friday, August 29, 2008, By MIKE EASTERLING, Times Sports Staff mike.easterling@htimes.com
Young Huntsville not perfect but still shuts out Sparkman in opener
Young Huntsville not perfect but still shuts out Sparkman in opener
There were the nagging opening-night problems to be certain. An interception to open the game was followed by a fumble. There were drive-killing penalties with the opposing goal line in striking distance. But following Huntsville's solid if not always crisp 20-0 Class 6A, Region 8 victory over Sparkman on Thursday night at Milton Frank Stadium, Panthers football coach Kevin Wieseman found little to pick apart. "I'm pretty excited about the way we played,' he said. Huntsville featured nine new starters on offense and seven on defense. "We're green,' Wieseman said. The Panthers are also 1-0 to start what promises to be a competitive region race. "We still need to improve on a lot of stuff,' Huntsville senior linebacker Blake Herrin said. "We've got a lot of new players, a lot of new offensive lineman, and we're going to keep improving as much as we can.' Sparkman also fielded an inexperienced team. But while the Senators' defense kept the game from getting away despite playing in its territory most of the game, coach Roger Haynes found little positive with the offense. Sparkman got an interception from Zach Humphrey on the second play of the game and set up at Huntsville's 22-yard line. Four plays netted minus-17 yards, and the Senators never again had possession past midfield until reserves for both sides were playing on the game's final possession. "We didn't play hard, I think, on the offensive side of the ball,' Haynes said. "Defensively, I thought the effort was good all night.' After throwing the early interception, and following a lost fumble at Sparkman's 20 on the next series, Huntsville's offense began moving behind senior quarterback Jared Bastin. He tossed a 17-yard touchdown to Kameron Clay on the third drive. Huntsville went ahead 14-0 on the next possession when Darryl Martin scored from the 2-yard line on a direct snap run and the second of Martin Patton's two extra points. Patton added field goals of 22 and 27 yards in the second half, the latter coming with 11:47 left to play.
Friday, February 15
2007 Round-Up
| 2007 Regular Season Schedule (Click Dates for School Links & Scores for Game Summaries) | ||||||||||
|
| 2007 Post-Season Schedule | ||||
|
||||
| All-Region Players Thaddeus Everson, Jordan Busing, Gary Ray, Justin Vann and Scott McDowell |
|
|
2007 All-Metro Football Team
| OFFENSE | DEFENSE | |||||||
| *QB | David Isabelle | Sr | Johnson | *DL | Blake Herrin | Jr | Huntsville | |
| *RB | Thad Everson | Sr | Bob Jones | *DL | Jomarcus Savage | Sr | Johnson | |
| *RB | Jimmy Vaughn | Sr | Johnson | *DL | Chris Willie | Sr | Butler | |
| *OL | Wes Goode | Sr | Sparkman | LB | Ernest Duren | Sr | Lee | |
| *OL | Darius Graham | Sr | Johnson | LB | Connor Moore | Jr | Grissom | |
| *OL | Tyler Johnson | Sr | Huntsville | *LB | Tajh Tyler | Sr | Huntsville | |
| OL | Sean Mullen | Sr | Bob Jones | *LB | Justin Vann | Sr | Bob Jones | |
| *OL | Gary Ray | Sr | Bob Jones | *DB | Jarrett Burns | Sr | Lee | |
| *TE | Andrew Bailey | Sr | Huntsville | *DB | Cameron Logan | Sr | Johnson | |
| *WR | Tim Jenkins | Sr | Johnson | *DB | Wesley Neighbors | Sr | Huntsville | |
| WR | Arthur Brackett | Jr | Bob Jones | *DB | Terrell Corbitt | Sr | Buckhorn | |
| *PK | Chance Wilson | Sr | Grissom | *P | Caleb Hicks | Sr | Bob Jones | |
| ATH | Zach Wilson | Sr | Grissom | ATH | Jordan Tippett | Sr | Buckhorn | |
| MVP: David Isabelle, Johnson / Offensive Player of the Year: Jimmy Vaughn, Johnson / Coach of the Year: Harold Wells, Johnson |
||||||||
|
Honorable Mention, all classes |
||||||||
|
|
2007 BJHS Varsity Football Banquet
When: Monday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Von Braun Center, North Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL
Cost: The Touchdown Club will pay for Players. Guests will pay $17.00.
Please mark on your attached form appropriately and return with your money. Please note that there are a limited amount of free parking spots available in lots adjacent to the VBC, so come early. Otherwise, you will be charged $4.00, per car, for parking in the VBC parking lots. Sunday Attire Required!
*****RESERVATIONS REQUIRED*****
(We must give an exact headcount by November 8th for the plate dinners)
Handout: 2007 BJHS Varsity Football Banquet Form
 |
|
Backing up the hype
| |
 | |
| Senior QB Jordan Busing | |
Jason Galloway, Madison Record
Local high schools are now in session and football season is just around the corner with Bob Jones opening the season at home against Mountain Brook on Aug. 31. Although the Patriots are coming off a 5-6 season, they are ranked No. 11 in the 2007 Alabama Sports Writers Association pre-season poll. "I guess they base it on potential, but we don't deserve that ranking right now," said starting quarterback Jordan Busing. "I think we are better than last year though; we have a good core group of players coming back." Bob Jones has seven returning starters on offense and on defense and it appears that lack of experience will not be a problem for the Patriots this year. "We have a good group of seniors that can pull everyone together," tight end Matt Stephan said. With the No. 11 preseason ranking, the bar has been set fairly high for this year's team. With murmurs of "overrated" coming from around the state, head coach Shannon Brown keeps the expectations for his team especially high. "We expect to win every game," Brown said. "That is definitely a possibility with this team." This will be Brown's fourth year as head coach at Bob Jones, and he has led the Patriots to two straight playoff appearances. To make a third straight postseason, they will have to rely on their offense to execute and make plays. "The offense is the strongest part of the team because of the experience we have coming back on that side of the ball," Brown said. The Patriots hope to use that experience to defeat arch-rival Sparkman, who Bob Jones has not beaten since 2003. Many players believe this year will be different than the last four. "I think we will beat Sparkman this year because we have more experience in big game situations than in past years and we have people who can make big plays," Busing said. There are still three weeks until the Patriots' first game, and they will use this much-needed time to continue to progress and get ready for the upcoming season. "We mainly need to improve on our consistency and focus," Brown said. "We just have to take this season one day at a time."... (Taken for the Madison Record)
|
|
Patriots look for Vann to help drive defense
| |
 | |
| Senior linebacker Justin Vann | |
Linebacker Justin Vann is just one of many leaders on the Bob Jones football team this year. As a three-year varsity player and two-time captain, Vann believes it is imperative to show his leadership on and off the field. "I think it is very important for me to be a leader," he said. "I'm a senior that has been playing for a while, so it's important for me to show the young guys what it's all about." Vann has drawn the attention of several Division I colleges over the last couple of years. Last year as a junior, he led the team in tackles with 90 and tackles for loss with 18. He also added two interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Vann's success in the Bob Jones football program is extremely impressive, even more so considering he did not play any sports before his freshman year of high school. Although Vann did not play before his freshman year, he said he has the same passion for the game as someone that has played since they were five years old. "I've always loved it," Vann said. "It's so exciting to score a touchdown or to be able to hit someone as hard as you can." Vann has many memories from playing Bob Jones football, like the playoff victory against Huffman his sophomore year, which was the Patriots' first playoff win in 18 years. "There was a different feel to that game," he said. "When (John) Birdsong made that fourth down stop to seal the win, everyone went crazy." Vann loves it every time he steps on the field during Friday night football games, and this year will be no different. "I can't wait for the season to start so we can get on the field and win football games," he said.
(Taken from the Madison Record)
Friday, August 24
Bob Jones wins Jamboree 25-14 over Decatur
The starters played the entire 1st half and the first series of the second half for both teams. The score at that point was 20-14, Bob Jones. The scoring for the Patriots started in the 1st quarter on nifty touchdown run by Jordan Busing. The 2nd score happened on a touchdown pass from Jordan Busing to Arthur Brackett to make it 14-0. In the first series of the 3rd quarter, Thad Everson made a strong run and finished with a stretch of the football across the goal line. Another strong possession by the second team offense was stopped on the one yard line with a fumble, but the defense came right back on the next play to earn a safety. Cody Ross added a late field goal to make the final 25-14.
|
|
Coaches put Bob Jones at top of 6A, Region 8 list
| |
 | |
MADISON - Football coach Shannon Brown has said one thing has needed to change from the first day he set foot on the Bob Jones campus. The Patriots - and the community - need to get a better understanding of what it takes to win in the Class 6A football. Never mind that Bob Jones is currently the largest school in the state. "At Bob Jones,' Brown said earlier this summer as the Patriots prepared to battle triple-digit temperatures as preseason practice entered its second week, "we've still got a long way to go.' The Patriots had better pick up the pace, at least if they hope to live up to the top billing Region 8 coaches have given to them. Bob Jones, in a survey of coaches, has been picked as the favorite to win the region championship. Brown just shrugged at the news. "When you're dealing with 16-, 17-year old kids, anything can happen,' he said. But he acknowledged his squad should be thinking lofty thoughts. "Playing the game on paper, I like my chances,' he said. "I like what we have better than any time since I've been here.' The Patriots return a veteran quarterback in Jordan Busing. Among the other seasoned players back are a pair of cornerbacks listed among scouts.com's top 100 prospects in the state - Scott McDowell and Richard Wilson. Defensive lineman Troy Sutherland also made the list. Region foe Huntsville has four players on the list - free safety Wesley Neighbors, tight end Andrew Bailey, linebacker Tajh Tyler and running back Grant Streams. Other players in 6A, Region 8 rated by scouts are kicker Michael Kitchens and defensive back Jonathan Richardson of Sparkman and cornerback Jordan Tippett of Buckhorn. Johnson is the pick to win 5A, Region 8, the state's toughest region last year. Three teams are ranked in the top 10 in the preseason. Johnson is highest at No. 2 and has four players on scouts.com's list of 100 - defensive end Jomarcus Savage, quarterback David Isabelle and fleet-footed running backs Jontavious President and Jimmy Vaughn. Other 5A, Region 8 players on the list are defensive tackle Adam Gillespie of Decatur and wide receiver Justin Brown of Athens. The favorite in 3A, Region 7 - Madison Academy - has two players named in running back Jeremy Rice and defensive back Kerron Johnson. Other players making the list are quarterback/free safety Jarrett Burns and running back Ernest Duren of Lee, Ardmore running back Landon Curtis, East Limestone quarterback/defensive back Chad Dewitt, Madison County linebacker Robert Thomas and Guntersville quarterback Chaz Rogers...(Read more in the Huntsville Times, don't forget to pick up your copy of "Football '07: There's No Place Like Home" in the August 26 edition)
Offense
The Patriots leading rusher, All-Region pick Warren Wilkens, and fullback Jake Blankenship are among those gone. Leading receiver Jason Somrak and lineman Thomas Denny also have to be replaced. But this is mostly a veteran unit led by returning quarterback Jordan Busing (5-9, 170, Sr.). Also back are the receiving trio of Tyson Parker (6-2, 175, Sr.), Seth Bradley (5-8, 170, Sr.) and Brock Newsome (6-3, 195, Sr.) and running back Thad Everson (5-8, 180, Sr.). Tight end Matt Stephan (6-2, 200, Sr.) and nearly the entire interior of L.J. Abrams (6-5, 305, Jr.), Gary Ray (5-10, 255, Sr.), Sean Mullen (5-11, 250, Sr.) and Jonathan McCoy (6-2, 205, Jr.) return. Mullen and Ray led the linemen in grading last season.
Defense
Seven returning starters on this side help make Bob Jones the favorite to win the region, with Super All-Metro linebacker Justin Vann (6-0, 195, Sr.) among them. Also back are fellow linebacker Hunter Hovis (6-0, 185, Jr.) a pair of ends in Jared Sill (6-2, 205, Sr.) and Troy Sutherland (6-4, 245, Sr.) and lineman Phillip Gigandet (Jr.). The secondary has a pair of returning starters in Scott McDowell (5-10, 165, Sr.) and Hosea Perkins (5-11, 175, Sr.). Vann, Sutherland and McDowell are receiving scholarship offers.
The Rest of It
This is the biggest question mark. Kick returner Larry Weatherspoon , an All-Region pick, has to be replaced, as does solid kicker Jakob Anderson (9-of-11 field goals, 18-of-19 PATs). The good news is punter Caleb Hicks (Sr.) returns after averaging 37.6 yards per kick in '06 en route to making the Super All-Metro.
Coach's Corner: Friday postgame
"It takes me until 1 or 2 in the morning, regardless of a win or a loss. I just try to get home to my wife and kids before they go to sleep to help me put things into perspective. My wife and my kids do not care if I win or lose, they are just glad Dad is home to give hugs and kisses. I talk to my wife for 30-45 minutes about this and that and finish unwinding by playing the game over and over in my head and channel surfing on the TV. Once I finally go to sleep I play the game again in my dreams."
 |
|
Bob Jones takes on Mountain Brook
| |
 | |
| Senior QB Jordan Busing | |
|
|
Bob Jones gets first win
Posted by Huntsville Times on September 01, 2007 1:10 a.m.
Bob Jones 49, Mt. Brook 24: Running back Thad Everson exploded for five touchdowns to lead the host Patriots to the win. The Patriots seemed unstoppable in the first half, piling up over 200 yards on the ground. Bob Jones took a lead 16 seconds into the ballgame when Everson scored on a 2-yard run after Javon Crutcher recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. On the Patriots’ next possession, Everson cut off tackle and raced 56 yards for a 14-0 Patriot lead. On the ensuing kickoff the Spartans got on the scoreboard when Hal Bowron raced 97 yards to bring the score to 14-7. Everson punctuated a long drive with a 7-yard score as the Patriots began to pull away, leading 21-7. Dillon Hobbs’ 4-yard scoring run brought the Spartans back to within seven points as the first quarter ended. Everson added two more scoring runs, Nick Acosta added a 9-yard touchdown run and Arthur Brackett hauled in a scoring pass from Jordan Busing to complete the scoring for the Patriots. Judd Golsan scored on a 14-yard run and Johnson Cromwell kicked a 27-yard field goal for the Spartans. Jim Sandoval (Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Everson helps Pats get off to a strong start
Bob Jones running back scores 5 touchdowns in Bob Jones' 49-24 victory over Mountain Brooks
Jim Sandoval, Madison Record
Three hundred Spartans may have held the pass at the Battle of Thermopylae but the Spartans of Mountain Brook could not contain the Bob Jones Patriots in their convincing 49-24 win Friday night. In a game touted as a tough contest between two up and coming teams the Patriots showed they may be a force to be reckoned with in the 2007 campaign. Running back Thad Everson raced for five touchdowns to lead the Patriots in their season and home opener. The Patriot offense was virtually unstoppable in the first half, piling up over 200 yards on the ground. On the opening kickoff the Patriots forced a fumble with Javon Crutcher recovering the ball on the 2-yard line. On the next play, just 16 seconds into the ballgame, Everson scored on a 2-yard run to give Bob Jones an early 7-0 lead. On the Patriots' second possession Everson cut off tackle and raced 56 yards for a 14-0 Patriot lead. On the ensuing kick off Mountain Brook got on the scoreboard when Hal Bowron returned the kick 97 yards for a touchdown to narrow the score to 14-7. Everson punctuated a long drive with a 7-yard touchdown run to give Bob Jones a 21-7 lead. Dillon Hobbs' 4-yard scoring run brought the Spartans back to within 7 points as the first quarter ended. Everson added two more scoring runs of 8 and 13 yards, Nick Acosta added a 9-yard touchdown run and Arthur Brackett hauled in a scoring pass from Jordan Busing to complete the scoring for the Patriots. Kicker Cody Ross was perfect on seven extra points. Judd Golsan scored on a 14-yard run and Johnson Cromwell kicked a 27-yard field goal for the Spartans. Freshman Trai Ragland had an impressive debut, rushing for over 100 yards including runs of 52 and 33 yards. Bob Jones is 1-0 and Friday night travels to face Buckhorn. Mountain Brook falls to 0-1 and will travel to play Spain Park...(Taken from the Madison County Record)
|
|
Bucks don't stop in final seconds
NEW MARKET – Buckhorn and Bob Jones opened their Class 6A, Region 8 football schedule in style Friday night. The visiting Patriots, trailing as the game clock ran out, drove 80 yards to what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown with 21 seconds left. But in a remarkable turn of events, Jordan Tippit of host Buckhorn returned the ensuing kickoff 89 yards to lift the Bucks to a thrilling 24-21 victory. “I was just looking to find a hole,” Tippit said. “I hoped everyone would get helmet on helmet. I knew if I could get to the outside I could take it to the house.” Tippit dropped the kickoff briefly. He cut to the left, barely stayed inbounds, and galloped to the end zone. “They have a very explosive team,” Buckhorn coach Michael Jackson said. “We knew we had to take advantage of our young kids and what they could do.” The strategy was to control the ball and run the clock. It was noticeable in the first half when the wishbone-oriented Bucks had the ball for 18:41 of the 24 minutes. Buckhorn used the first 9:04 of play in driving from its 26-yard line, taking 14 plays, and getting a 30-yard field goal from Chance Wilson. It became 10-0 in the second quarter when quarterback Darien Sharp found Meco Miller in the flats and he scooted 55 yards for the score. Bob Jones answered when quarterback Jordan Busing found Arthur Brackett over the middle for a 21-yard score. Cody Ross kicked the first of his three extra points. The teams headed for intermission with Buckhorn ahead 10-7. Bob Jones went up 14-10 early in the third quarter as Brackett hit Tyson Parker on a reverse play for a 40-yard touchdown. Buckhorn answered with 11:44 remaining when Sharp fought off a rush and passed to Cameron Traylor, who cut inside and scored on a 59-yard touchdown play. Now ahead 17-14, the Bucks appeared closer to victory when Terrell Corbitt, Casey Catron and Richard Harris stuffed Trai Ragland of Bob Jones on a fourth-and-one gamble from the Patriot 41. Buckhorn ran time down to 3:18 with a drive which would result in a missed field goal. Bob Jones then put on the gutsy 80-yard drive in 13 plays with Busing scoring on an option keeper from the 3. It was 21-17 Patriots, but only until Tippit got his chance. “Buckhorn made more plays than we did,” Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. “Nothing magical.” Miller ran 27 times for 83 yards for Buckhorn (1-1, 1-0). Busing carried 12 times for 72 yards for Bob Jones (1-1, 0-1), while Parker caught four passes for 77 yards...(Taken from the Huntsville Times, John Ferry)
|
|
Bob Jones has to forget fast
Tuesday, September 11, 2007, By SKIP VAUGHN, For The Times skip.vaughn@htimes.com
Patriots can't let loss linger with Huntsville next
MADISON - The Bob Jones High School football team has to put last week's tough loss against Buckhorn behind it quickly because things don't get any easier this week. The Patriots will host unbeaten Huntsville on Friday night at Madison Stadium in another key game in Class 6A, Region 8. Bob Jones lost to Buckhorn 24-21 Friday on an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by the Bucks' Jordan Tippit in the final seconds. "Right now everybody is still kind of in awe of what took place," Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. "Obviously, we know Huntsville's a very good team, undefeated (2-0, 1-0) and definitely has the ball rolling in the right direction. We've just got to take care of ourselves. And hopefully at the end of the night we can make more plays than Huntsville does." Bob Jones is 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the region. Brown said the Patriots need to move on after the disappointment in New Market. "The biggest thing is you have to believe in your abilities. It wasn't meant to be," he said. "The biggest thing we've got to do is learn from our mistakes and continue to get better and just play ball. "There's an old saying: 'Nothing is as good as it seems and nothing is as bad as it seems. And somewhere in between, that's where reality falls.' And it's the same with us. We're going to be all right." Brown wants his team to look ahead after just two games of a 10-week schedule. "We want to learn (from last week's loss) as quickly as possible and move on as quickly as possible," he said. "There were mistakes made, we have to learn from those mistakes. But at the same time we can't have a pity party. There's a lot of football left. We've got to put it past us. We've got to learn from our mistakes and move on. In my 11 years of coaching, it's the worst loss I've ever had." Bob Jones' key players include senior quarterback Jordan Busing and senior running back Thaddeus Everson. The Patriots were limited to five offensive possessions last week against the Bucks. "So their game plan was great. Keep our offense off the field, keep theirs on it. Smash-mouth football. They did a tremendous job," Brown said...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
Patriots can't let loss linger with Huntsville next
MADISON - The Bob Jones High School football team has to put last week's tough loss against Buckhorn behind it quickly because things don't get any easier this week. The Patriots will host unbeaten Huntsville on Friday night at Madison Stadium in another key game in Class 6A, Region 8. Bob Jones lost to Buckhorn 24-21 Friday on an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by the Bucks' Jordan Tippit in the final seconds. "Right now everybody is still kind of in awe of what took place," Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. "Obviously, we know Huntsville's a very good team, undefeated (2-0, 1-0) and definitely has the ball rolling in the right direction. We've just got to take care of ourselves. And hopefully at the end of the night we can make more plays than Huntsville does." Bob Jones is 1-1 overall and 0-1 in the region. Brown said the Patriots need to move on after the disappointment in New Market. "The biggest thing is you have to believe in your abilities. It wasn't meant to be," he said. "The biggest thing we've got to do is learn from our mistakes and continue to get better and just play ball. "There's an old saying: 'Nothing is as good as it seems and nothing is as bad as it seems. And somewhere in between, that's where reality falls.' And it's the same with us. We're going to be all right." Brown wants his team to look ahead after just two games of a 10-week schedule. "We want to learn (from last week's loss) as quickly as possible and move on as quickly as possible," he said. "There were mistakes made, we have to learn from those mistakes. But at the same time we can't have a pity party. There's a lot of football left. We've got to put it past us. We've got to learn from our mistakes and move on. In my 11 years of coaching, it's the worst loss I've ever had." Bob Jones' key players include senior quarterback Jordan Busing and senior running back Thaddeus Everson. The Patriots were limited to five offensive possessions last week against the Bucks. "So their game plan was great. Keep our offense off the field, keep theirs on it. Smash-mouth football. They did a tremendous job," Brown said...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Staying in lineup not easy job for Busing
| |
 | |
| Jordan Busing | |
Thursday, September 13, 2007, By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff, john.ferry@htimes.com
MADISON - Jordan Busing opened some eyes earlier this season when he took a hit to his upper lip during a game, had stitches put in on the sideline, and then went back into the game. That incident is minor when compared to what else the Bob Jones senior quarterback has had to go through this year, and to a lesser extent since seventh grade. Busing's circumstances have led coach Shannon Brown to make a profound statement. "It's a miracle from God that he's even out there," Brown said. Brown said he knew for some time that Busing had allergy issues. During baseball season this past spring, things began to get rough. "He wasn't the same," Brown said. "He lost a bunch of weight." Then came summer and Busing had a bone marrow biopsy. "I knew it was serious," Brown said. "I didn't know what would happen. But he hasn't missed any practice or reps." So what is wrong with Busing? "They have ruled out cancer," Brown said. "They have ruled out all the bad stuff." Busing believes he has some form of hypereosinophilia, an auto immune disease that occurs when white blood cells attack his stomach. There is no known cure. Busing must take at least eight pills each morning. "I'm on so many medicines I don't experience pain anymore," he said, comparing it to the times he would cramp. As Bob Jones readies for Friday night's home game against Huntsville, Busing is upbeat. He has gone through his usual series of doctor's appointments, and his energy level is high. "In the spring it was about zero," he said. Busing is a good student, scoring 32 on the ACT, and he is a leader. "He can't stand losing," Bob Jones offensive coordinator Kurt Yancey said. "I feel comfortable as a coach with him on the field." Busing is not tall, standing about 5-foot-9, so he doesn't figure to be a major college prospect. But that doesn't matter to Brown. "He's special," Brown said...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Senior back, defense provide plenty for HHS highlight reel in 28-7 win
Saturday, September 15, 2007, By MIKE EASTERLINGTimes Sports Staff, mikee@htimes.com MADISON - The early signs indicated Bob Jones was playing with a chip on its collective shoulder Friday night. But Huntsville knocked it right off. The visiting Panthers fell behind by a touchdown right after the start of the game, then rode three rushing touchdowns by Grant Streams and a tenacious defense to a resounding 28-7 victory over the Patriots at Madison City Schools Stadium. Huntsville improved to 3-0 overall and 2-0 in Class 6A, Region 8. Bob Jones, coming off a tough last-second loss to Buckhorn in a region opener last week, fell to 1-2 and 0-2. While Streams emerged as the offensive star with 160 yards on 23 carries - including a game-breaking 73-yard TD run in the third quarter - it was the defense that impressed Panthers coach Kevin Wieseman. "They're relentless,' he said. "They've got an extra gear and can reach back for something extra when they need to.' Huntsville forced five turnovers. Defensive lineman Blake Herrin intercepted a tipped pass and recovered a fumble and defensive back Hardy Reynolds intercepted two passes to lead the effort. The win left Huntsville unbeaten with region foe Hazel Green on the way next week. That game has been moved from Thursday to Friday at Alabama A&M. Bob Jones, still seeking its first region win, will travel to unbeaten Florence. "We're going to find out what these young men are made of,' Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. "You find out what young men, or anybody for that matter, are made of when their backs are against the wall.' Bob Jones forced a punt on the game's opening possession, took over at its 45-yard line and drove to a 1-yard TD run by Thad Everson in seven plays. Cody Ross kicked it to 7-0 with 7:44 left in the first quarter. "We were shocked at first at how fast they were playing,' Herrin said. "But we calmed down, settled down.' Huntsville eventually got its running game going and Streams scored his first TD on a 5-yard run with 1:36 left in the first quarter. Martin Patton kicked the first of four extra points to tie it at 7-all to cap a five-play drive that started at the Patriots' 39. Huntsville forced another punt, took over at its 24 and 12 plays later went ahead when Streams scored from the 2 with 6:19 to go in the half. Streams later went off left tackle and broke free for the 73-yarder to put Huntsville up 21-7 with 1:53 left in the third. "(Bob Jones) came out firing,' Streams said. "Coach told us to take it on the chin like in a boxing match. The line made some adjustments and started making holes.' Meanwhile, Huntsville's defense clamped down on the Patriots after their first drive. Bob Jones got three first downs in that series, then had just one more in the first half. It had one in the third quarter. "Huntsville has a very good team,' Brown said. "We thought coming in they were the best team we played this year and they confirmed that.' Huntsville added a TD when Joe Louis Fleming, who led the team with six receptions for 66 yards, caught a back screen from Louis Gibson and went 24 yards for the score with 8:26 left.
|
|
Bob Jones loses heartbreaker
Posted by Jerry Felts on September 22, 2007 1:10 a.m., By JERRY FELTS, Times Staff Writer, jerry.felts@htimes.com
FLORENCE – Just when it appeared the fortunes of the struggling Bob Jones football team had turned, Florence found a way to deal the Patriots another stinging defeat.The Falcons marched 99 yards with less than four minutes remaining, scoring on a 28-yard pass with 26 seconds left to defeat Bob Jones 26-21 at Braly Stadium Friday night.Bob Jones fell to 1-3 with its third straight 6A, Region 8 loss. Surprising Florence improved to 4-0 and 3-0 in Region 8.“We’ve got to remember the big picture here,” Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. “Are my guys playing hard? Are they fighting for me? Are they fighting for each other? Yes.“And I promise you, if they stay the course, the wins are going to happen.”Bob Jones also lost to Buckhorn earlier this season when the Bucks scored in the final minute.On Friday, the Patriots lost despite rolling up 406 yards of total offense to Florence’s 319. Bob Jones had five drives in the game that lasted at least nine plays – including second-half possessions of 18 and 14 plays – and had 76 offensive snaps to the host Falcons’ 47.But it was Bob Jones’ inability to convert while deep in Florence territory in the waning minutes that proved costly.After quarterback Jordan Busing was stopped at the Florence 1 with 3:53 on the clock and the Patriots clinging to a 21-20 lead, the Falcons marched the length of the field in 10 plays for the game-winner.Florence quarterback Chad Willis hooked up with Chris Simpson for a 28-yard touchdown with 26 seconds left to complete the stunning comeback.Busing, who completed 11-of-17 passes for 166 yards and did not throw an incomplete pass until late in the third, gave Bob Jones a 6-0 lead with his 16-yard run on the game’s opening possession.Thaddeus Everson’s 7-yard run and Busing’s two-point conversion pass to Seth Bradley gave the Patriots a 14-7 lead early in the second quarter, but Florence responded with a 14-play scoring drive to make it 14-all at halftime.Florence moved 58 yards on only three plays for a touchdown after the second-half kickoff, but the Patriots answered with an 81-yard drive that was capped off by Everson’s second touchdown on a 1-yard run.Nick Acosta’s extra point gave Bob Jones a 21-20 lead with 4:48 left in the third.The road doesn’t get any easier for the slumping Patriots, who visit 10th-ranked Spain Park on Friday...(Taken from the Huntsville Times)
|
|
Falcons win with late drive
FLORENCE - Florence kept its perfect season alive the hard way Friday. Trailing by five and backed up to their own goal line, the Falcons drove 99 yards in the final minutes to earn a thrilling 26-21 victory over Bob Jones at Braly Stadium. Chris Simpson scored on a 27-yard touchdown pass from Chad Willis with 26 seconds remaining to provide the winning margin for Florence (4-0, 3-0 region). "We knew we could do it," Willis said. "We work on those situations in practice all the time. I had some pressure and had to get rid of the ball when Chris came open. I put it in his hands and he won it for us." After being manhandled by Bob Jones most of the night, Florence's defense set up the winning score with a goal line stand. Linebacker D.J. Bonton stopped Bob Jones quarterback Jordan Busing short of the goal line on a fourth-and-goal at the 1, turning the ball over to Florence with 3:53 remaining and Bob Jones ahead 21-20. "We tell our guys to just keep playing hard and good things will happen," Florence coach Alvin Briggs said. A pair of completions by Willis and a 20-yard run by Shawn Southward moved Florence into Bob Jones territory. Willis then threw to Simpson and when the Bob Jones defender tried to make the interception, Simpson had clear sailing to the end zone. "I told Chad to look for me and he did," Simpson said. "I knew the defender was there, but I was able to get by him and get it in the end zone." The game was tied at 14 at halftime. Bob Jones (1-3, 0-3) took the opening kickoff and marched 71 yards with Busing scoring on a 16-yard keeper to put the Patriots up 6-0. Willis added a 20-yard scoring run on a keeper on the opening possession of the third quarter to put Florence up 20-14. "Bob Jones had a great offensive plan and moved the ball well," Briggs said. "But give credit to our defense for the way they kept batting and made big plays when we had to have them." (Taken from the Times Daily, By Jeff McIntyre, Assistant Sports Editor)
|
|
Spain Park prolongs Patriots’ woes
HOOVER – Bob Jones football coach Shannon Brown promises things will get better. Things could not get much worse than they have the last four weeks. On Friday night, the Patriots led Spain Park by three points at the half, then fell victim to a three-touchdown explosion by the host Jaguars in the third quarter. Spain Park went on to celebrate homecoming with a 34-19 victory. Bob Jones fell to 1-4, the losses coming after an opening win over Mountain Brook. “I’m extremely proud of the guys,” Brown said. “They have handled it in a positive manner and have stayed the course.” Brown then made a prediction as Class 6A, Region 8 region play resumes Friday, with a home game against Austin. “We’re going to win,” he said. “We’re going to be a team to be reckoned with.” Senior quarterback Jordan Busing ran 12 times for 85 yards. He also completed 17-of-30 passes for 193 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions. “These have been devastating losses,” Busing said. “We’ve got to learn how to finish games. It’s all mental. We’re making too many mental mistakes.” Busing added his team’s only option is to stay positive. Busing drove his team 77 yards in seven plays, pitching the ball to Thaddeus Everson, who took it the final 17 yards. The point-after failed. Bob Jones led 6-0 with 10:50 left in the first half. Spain Park drove from its 15 to the Bob Jones 14 in 10 plays. Trey Del Greco kicked the first of his two 32-yard field goals with 1:50 left before intermission. The score was 6-3 in the third quarter when Spain Park punted. The Jaguars’ E.J. Smith hit Justin Vann, forcing a fumble that Spain Park recovered. Four plays later, quarterback Cody Wells connected on the first of three touchdown passes in the quarter. This one went to Cody Jackson, a 17-yarder. Spain Park was ahead to stay at 10-6. The Jaguars drove 50 yards later in the third with Wells hitting Brad Cox for a 9-yard score. Then, after a deflected interception by Sean Thompson, Wells passed to Thomas Wilder for a 24-yard touchdown. Bob Jones’ nightmarish third quarter ended with Spain Park ahead 24-6. In the fourth quarter, Bob Jones scored on a throwback play, a reverse pass as Charles Epperson found Everson open for a 49-yard score. After another Del Greco field goal, the Patriots finished their scoring as Busing found Seth Bradley from the 8. Eli Smith ran 32 yards for the final Spain Park score. James Willis ran 11 times for 123 yards for Spain Park (3-2). Eli Smith rushed 18 times for 122 yards....(By JOHN FERRY, Times Sports Staff, john.ferry@htimes.com)
|
|
On this field,all competitors are victorious
| |
 | |
| BJHS Football Assistant, Chris Kline wins 1st in softball throw! | |
325 athletes vie for cheers, honors at Special Olympics
Abby Walker was all smiles Tuesday as she climbed the awards podium at Milton Frank Stadium. The Butler High School student's best standing long jump - two feet, four inches - wouldn't come close to earning a medal at next year's summer Olympics in Beijing. But here, at Madison County's annual Special Olympics, victory means doing your best. "It felt good," said Walker, proudly sporting a third-place ribbon. Walker, 19, was among about 325 special Huntsville-area athletes who turned out on a crystal-blue Tuesday to compete in track and field events. Everyone who stepped up to the starting line went home with a ribbon and a green Special Olympics shirt. And some may have run and jumped their way into the Alabama Special Olympics track meet next May. Take Justin O'Dell. The 16-year-old Lee High student said he spent last week practicing the running long jump in his back yard. It showed: Justin blitzed down a track lined with cheering fans and soared 10 feet, 10 inches - by far the best jump of the day in his age division. "That was pretty fun," said Justin, who also competed in the 100-meter run. Special Olympics events are open to anyone 8 or older with an intellectual disability, cognitive delay or closely related developmental disability. Justin, Abby and the other athletes got the star treatment Tuesday. Cameras snapped as they raced past. Fans yelled their names - "Go, C.J., keep running!" - and offered hugs or high-fives. The Army sent about 200 soldiers from Redstone Arsenal to serve as personal cheerleaders for the athletes. Companies such as United Space Alliance and area high schools also supplied volunteers. Barbara Coleman, who works for the Army's Blue Force Tracking Aviation, took the day off Tuesday to be a volunteer spotter at the long jump sand pit. It was her 10th Special Olympics. "To see the smiles on their faces, that brings me joy," said Coleman, who lives in Huntsville. "Everybody here is a winner. They win, and we win as volunteers." Across the shiny artificial turf field, Wendy Moriarty was watching her brother, Mark Wohlfert, in the 50-meter run. "You can do it, buddy! Run as hard as you can! Set a world record!" she screamed as Mark, 43, trotted past. Mark didn't win the race. But he walked away with a ribbon and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. Then he was off to try his luck in his favorite event, the softball toss. "He really looks forward to this," said Moriarty, who lives off Zierdt Road. "I think this is a really special thing to do. It makes the athletes feel good and gives them some pride." ...(Taken from the Huntsville Times, Wednesday, October 03, 2007, by STEVE DOYLE, Times Staff Writer, steve.doyle@htimes.com)
Abby Walker was all smiles Tuesday as she climbed the awards podium at Milton Frank Stadium. The Butler High School student's best standing long jump - two feet, four inches - wouldn't come close to earning a medal at next year's summer Olympics in Beijing. But here, at Madison County's annual Special Olympics, victory means doing your best. "It felt good," said Walker, proudly sporting a third-place ribbon. Walker, 19, was among about 325 special Huntsville-area athletes who turned out on a crystal-blue Tuesday to compete in track and field events. Everyone who stepped up to the starting line went home with a ribbon and a green Special Olympics shirt. And some may have run and jumped their way into the Alabama Special Olympics track meet next May. Take Justin O'Dell. The 16-year-old Lee High student said he spent last week practicing the running long jump in his back yard. It showed: Justin blitzed down a track lined with cheering fans and soared 10 feet, 10 inches - by far the best jump of the day in his age division. "That was pretty fun," said Justin, who also competed in the 100-meter run. Special Olympics events are open to anyone 8 or older with an intellectual disability, cognitive delay or closely related developmental disability. Justin, Abby and the other athletes got the star treatment Tuesday. Cameras snapped as they raced past. Fans yelled their names - "Go, C.J., keep running!" - and offered hugs or high-fives. The Army sent about 200 soldiers from Redstone Arsenal to serve as personal cheerleaders for the athletes. Companies such as United Space Alliance and area high schools also supplied volunteers. Barbara Coleman, who works for the Army's Blue Force Tracking Aviation, took the day off Tuesday to be a volunteer spotter at the long jump sand pit. It was her 10th Special Olympics. "To see the smiles on their faces, that brings me joy," said Coleman, who lives in Huntsville. "Everybody here is a winner. They win, and we win as volunteers." Across the shiny artificial turf field, Wendy Moriarty was watching her brother, Mark Wohlfert, in the 50-meter run. "You can do it, buddy! Run as hard as you can! Set a world record!" she screamed as Mark, 43, trotted past. Mark didn't win the race. But he walked away with a ribbon and the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. Then he was off to try his luck in his favorite event, the softball toss. "He really looks forward to this," said Moriarty, who lives off Zierdt Road. "I think this is a really special thing to do. It makes the athletes feel good and gives them some pride." ...(Taken from the Huntsville Times, Wednesday, October 03, 2007, by STEVE DOYLE, Times Staff Writer, steve.doyle@htimes.com)
|
|
Head of the Class
|
 |
|
|
Bob Jones Stuns Austin
| |
 | |
| Photo by Bob Gathany / Huntsville Times | |
|
|
Defense steps up in Bob Jones' win over Austin
| |
 | |
| BJHS running back Trai Ragland breaks into the end zone to score 1st TD! | |
Keeping their playoff hopes alive, the Bob Jones Patriots delighted their homecoming crowd with a 21-4 win over 6A Region 8 rival Austin. It was Bob Jones' first region win of the season and moved the Patriots into a tie for fifth place in the region. The Patriots' defense controlled the game, holding the Black Bears' offense scoreless and allowing only 199 yards in total offense. Austin's only points of the contest came on two safeties. The Patriots' offense collected 294 yards of its own on 190 rushing yards and 104 passing yards. Bob Jones took a lead in the first quarter when freshman fullback Trai Ragland scored on a 2-yard run to cap a 12-play, 67-yard scoring drive. Cody Ross kicked the first of his three extra points and Bob Jones led 7-0. On the first play after Josh Lowman's 55-yard punt pinned the Patriots to the 3-yard line, the Black Bears tackled Ragland in the end zone for a safety and a 7-2 score. The Patriots went on an eight-play, 74-yard drive with Thad Everson scoring on a 4-yard run to bring the score to 14-2. The drive was extended by two facemask penalties on the Black Bears and was highlighted by an Everson 18-yard run and a 15-yard quarterback keeper by Jordan Busing that set up the touchdown. In the third quarter the Patriots were forced to punt deep in their own territory. The snap sailed out of the end zone for the second safety of the game and a 14-4 score. Austin received the free kick and put together a drive to the Bob Jones 38-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Bob Jones completed the scoring on a Thad Everson 8-yard run with 6:51 remaining in the game. Busing finished the night 10-of-19 passing with one interception. Bob Jones rises to 2-4 (1-3 in Region 8) and hosts Grissom in region play next Friday. The game will be a military appreciation event and include a parachute demonstration by the "Silver Wings" at 6:20 p.m. More information is available at the Web site at https://www.infantry.army.mil/silverwings/. ...Jim Sandoval, Madison Record
|
|
Bob Jones 39, Grissom 7
| |
 | |
| BJHS Senior Justin Vann with INT! | |
| view full size | |
|
|
9 Managers Give Their All For The Team
Bob Jones football gets full coverage
A group of students at Bob Jones is one of the backbones to the success of the school's football team and they are assisting the squad behind the scenes. The nine-member group comprises the team managers, whose responsibilities are a hodge podge that go unnoticed by many but not by the coaches and players. "They take away those responsibilities usually associated with the coaches," said head coach Shannon Brown. "They each come to our team every day and are a vital part of our team and our success." The team managers include James Parkes, Ben Cobb, Drew Graham, Tommy Smith, Tyler Slaton, Corbin Hammonds, Ian Edwards, Scott Dow and Bryan Allison. Chris Klein assists after graduating two years ago. Managers unite for team. "We all work together, much like the football team, as we are a team effort," said Graham, a junior, the squad's unofficial head manager. "We came together at the first of the football season and as things come up, we take care of any situation that arises." Duties as team managers range from providing water to the players to making sure the players' equipment is safe and working properly. But the group's duties also include a team statistician and video crew. Parkes handles stats for the team. He wanted to be a part of the team since his twin brother, Jarrod, plays tight end for the Patriots. Parkes once played football, but two broken collarbones while playing middle school football put him on the sidelines instead. Their father began the current Web site for the football team. Parkes would assist his father with game stats, which led him to being the official team statistician. "I would sit in the stands at games and help my father with Web site details," said Parkes, a junior. "I have taken stats classes and I love working with numbers. At halftime, I usually bring a copy of the team stats to the coaches who review the numbers and sometimes adjust their game plan to accommodate the numbers. But the coaches usually use the stats for the next game preparations." Cobb has the glamorous job of the managers. He's the videographer. He videos each of the games and takes the recorded game video to an editing station in the team's field house and edits the video for coaches to use in preparation for the team's next game. "I also put promo videos together for the players as they sometimes use the videos in recruiting college scholarships," Cobb said. "I had to learn how to shoot properly as I quickly found out there's more to shooting video than I imagined. I also help the coaches with their headsets they use during the games." Each is assigned a duty. Graham directs the group of managers and assigns each a duty during game day. The group is responsible for taking care of the footballs used during the game, providing water or Gatorade to the players and coaches, assisting in making sure equipment is in good repair and making sure uniforms are available to each player. "We all do something different in our duties, but we all help one another when the situations arise," said Graham. For Graham, 17, being a manager for the Bob Jones football team is just a step into what he hopes his future will be. He wants to be a manager for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team once he begins his studies at the Capstone. He said he plans to pursue a manager's position with Alabama while studying psychology and coaching. "The coaches show us a lot of respect," said Cobb. "The players do, too. I've seen when our managers weren't able to be around to help the players and those players had to do what we do on a regular basis. We feel we're an important part of the team." "The managers are the 12th man on our team," Brown said....(Taken from the Huntsville Times, Wednesday, October 24, 2007, By BOB LABBE, For the Madison Spirit bob0873@yahoo.com)
A group of students at Bob Jones is one of the backbones to the success of the school's football team and they are assisting the squad behind the scenes. The nine-member group comprises the team managers, whose responsibilities are a hodge podge that go unnoticed by many but not by the coaches and players. "They take away those responsibilities usually associated with the coaches," said head coach Shannon Brown. "They each come to our team every day and are a vital part of our team and our success." The team managers include James Parkes, Ben Cobb, Drew Graham, Tommy Smith, Tyler Slaton, Corbin Hammonds, Ian Edwards, Scott Dow and Bryan Allison. Chris Klein assists after graduating two years ago. Managers unite for team. "We all work together, much like the football team, as we are a team effort," said Graham, a junior, the squad's unofficial head manager. "We came together at the first of the football season and as things come up, we take care of any situation that arises." Duties as team managers range from providing water to the players to making sure the players' equipment is safe and working properly. But the group's duties also include a team statistician and video crew. Parkes handles stats for the team. He wanted to be a part of the team since his twin brother, Jarrod, plays tight end for the Patriots. Parkes once played football, but two broken collarbones while playing middle school football put him on the sidelines instead. Their father began the current Web site for the football team. Parkes would assist his father with game stats, which led him to being the official team statistician. "I would sit in the stands at games and help my father with Web site details," said Parkes, a junior. "I have taken stats classes and I love working with numbers. At halftime, I usually bring a copy of the team stats to the coaches who review the numbers and sometimes adjust their game plan to accommodate the numbers. But the coaches usually use the stats for the next game preparations." Cobb has the glamorous job of the managers. He's the videographer. He videos each of the games and takes the recorded game video to an editing station in the team's field house and edits the video for coaches to use in preparation for the team's next game. "I also put promo videos together for the players as they sometimes use the videos in recruiting college scholarships," Cobb said. "I had to learn how to shoot properly as I quickly found out there's more to shooting video than I imagined. I also help the coaches with their headsets they use during the games." Each is assigned a duty. Graham directs the group of managers and assigns each a duty during game day. The group is responsible for taking care of the footballs used during the game, providing water or Gatorade to the players and coaches, assisting in making sure equipment is in good repair and making sure uniforms are available to each player. "We all do something different in our duties, but we all help one another when the situations arise," said Graham. For Graham, 17, being a manager for the Bob Jones football team is just a step into what he hopes his future will be. He wants to be a manager for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team once he begins his studies at the Capstone. He said he plans to pursue a manager's position with Alabama while studying psychology and coaching. "The coaches show us a lot of respect," said Cobb. "The players do, too. I've seen when our managers weren't able to be around to help the players and those players had to do what we do on a regular basis. We feel we're an important part of the team." "The managers are the 12th man on our team," Brown said....(Taken from the Huntsville Times, Wednesday, October 24, 2007, By BOB LABBE, For the Madison Spirit bob0873@yahoo.com)
Thursday, October 25
Wendy's names Heisman nominees
| |
| |
| Jordan Busing | |
|
|
Resurgent Bob Jones rolls along
| |
 | |
| Andrew Walters with QB sack to go with an earlier Interception! | |
| view full size | |
MADISON - The key, Bob Jones players and coaches agreed, was keeping the faith. The Patriots, once 1-4 and on the verge of seeing a season that began with high aspirations dissolve into failure, won a football game for the fourth straight week Friday night at Madison Schools Stadium. The latest win, a 49-14 thumping of archrival Sparkman, clinched a playoff berth for Bob Jones as the fourth seed in Class 6A, Region 8. The Patriots (5-4 overall, 4-3 in the region) close out the regular season against 3A Madison Academy next week then will visit the Region 6 champion in a first-round game. "Everybody stayed the course,' Bob Jones coach Shannon Brown said. "Nobody hit the panic button. We felt like, and feel like, we have a good football team. "This is the third year in a row we're in the playoffs and I'm proud of where the program is at.' Running back Thad Everson, who had 16 rushes for 149 of Bob Jones' 352 yards rushing with three touchdowns, said the difference for the Patriots in the winning streak has been "our mind set.' "We believed in what the coaches were saying.' Bob Jones scored on the game's second play, a 57-yard burst from Everson, and were off and running. The Patriots led 21-0 after one quarter and 35-0 at halftime, the slow start prompting Sparkman coach Roger Haynes to say, "It's been that way all year.' The Senators (2-7, 2-5) came out with a spark in the third quarter and got on the board with a 24-yard TD pass from Rob Weaver to Jared Hicks. That scored stood until the fourth, when Bob Jones scored twice and the Senators once. "The players didn't quit in the second half and fought back,' Haynes said. "It's my fault. We're making too many mistakes and can't stay in the game.' After Everson's first score, the Patriots got a 17-yard TD run by quarterback Jordan Busing and a 1-yard TD by Everson. The first of Branden Hager's seven extra points made it 21-0 with 34.1 seconds left in the first half. In the second quarter, Busing scored from the 3-yard line and Everson from the 5. In the fourth, freshman Trai Ragland scored from the 5 for bob Jones, Bryant Williams the 5 for Sparkman and Javin Crutcher the 24 for the Patriots. Bob Jones' four straight wins came over foes with a combined record of 8-28, but the Patriots have won by a aggregate score of 184-32... Saturday, October 27, 2007, From staff reports, Huntsville Times, Mike Easterling
|
|
Bob Jones 63, Madison Academy 7
| |
 | |
| Senior Tyson Parker with 4 TDs | |
| view full size | |
In Madison, the Patriots turned up the offensive heat and went on to route the visiting Mustangs. Madison Academy (6-4) was held without a first down for the entire first half. Quarterback Jordan Busing of Bob Jones (6-4) lit up the Mustangs defense early, throwing all of his five touchdown passes in the first half. Busing finished 11-for-16 for 170 yards. His favorite target was receiver Robert Parker who finished with five catches for 55 yards and four touchdowns... Taken from the Huntsville Times
|
|
Bob Jones routs Sparkman in final region game for both teams
Bob Jones clinched a playoff spot by defeating archrival Sparkman Friday night 49-14. It was the fourth straight region win for the Patriots. In those wins the Patriots have out scored their opponents 184-32. Bob Jones will start the playoffs on the road against Vestavia Hills. The Patriots rolled up almost 500 yards in total offense while controlling the Sparkman offense, allowing just two second half touchdowns when the game was already decided. Bob Jones scored five touchdowns before the Senators got on the scoreboard. On the Patriots' second play from scrimmage Thad Everson broke a 57-yard touchdown run and the Patriots never looked back. Quarterback Jordan Busing ran for a 17-yard score and Everson added a 1-yard touchdown run to give the Patriots a 21-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Busing and Everson added touchdown runs for a 35-0 halftime lead. Trai Ragland and Javin Crutcher added fourth-quarter touchdowns for the Patriots. Kicker Branden Hager was a perfect 7-7 on extra points. Everson gained 149 yards on the ground. The Senators did battle back in the second half, with Rob Weaver completing a 24-yard scoring pass to Jared Ricks for the only points of the third quarter. Bryant Williams scored on a 5-yard run for the Senators' final score of the night. Bob Jones rises to 5-4 (4-3 in Region 8) with the win and will host Madison Academy tonight. Sparkman falls to 2-7 (2-5) and hosts Athens...Jim Sandoval, Madison Record