In football, focus goes a long way. From a linebacker concentrating on the quarterback in order to anticipate where he will throw the ball, to a team, up by double digits, maintaining their composure in order to secure a victory.  None of these tasks would be feasible without focus, and if a team or individual plays with a lack of focus, they should be prepared for possible repercussions.

The Bob Jones’ Patriots are the Division 6A Region 8 Champs. They will host their first playoff game at home against Gadsden City High School. So what else do the Patriots have to worry about?

Rewind back to Thursday, November 1.  Bob Jones traveled to take on the Trojans of Muscle Shoals. For those who do not know, the Trojans are ranked #4 in the state of Alabama, #1 in Division 5A, and #79 nationally. So as one might note, a victory against Muscle Shoals would not be an easy feat; therefore, a team would have to prepare and be motivated to compete in a potential dog fight.

The Patriots were well prepared to play the Trojans by their coaching staff who knew this game would be a challenge. “In order to win, we have to prevent them from making big plays and can get some takeaways.  Offensively, we need to have some success rushing the football,  hit some play action deep balls, and win the kicking game,” said head coach Kevin Rose prior to the game.

These strategies were not well executed as the Patriots became “complacent” and “did not play to their full potential” as noted by Drew Davis, a Senior and a Middle Linebacker at Bob Jones. Davis is also one of four captains for the Patriots this year. “Muscle Shoals played like a great team. They executed their game plan, were defensively sound, and good on special teams and offense,” expressed Coach Bailey, a freshman football coach at Bob Jones.

Bob Jones did go on to lose 38-6 to Muscle Shoals. They will play Gadsden City for their first playoff game at the Madison City Stadium.

And this time, the Patriots will come out focused and ready to play in hopes of making a run deep into the playoffs.