What would you say if I said I knew a high school football team in Alabama who had a chance at making history? Would you think the team was Hoover? Or maybe Prattville, considering their recent success? Actually, neither team is correct. The right answer? Bob Jones High School.
Bob Jones, home to the Patriots, is known for its successful athletic program. In particular, Bob Jones is not known for winning a state football championship; however, this year, the football team hopes to put an end to this long drought.
Kicking off the season on August 5, Head Coach Kevin Rose is already making some adjustments. First on the list is naming the senior captains. According to Rose, the decision process was taken on by the offensive and defensive coaches “I asked our coaches to give me two senior captains from their side of the ball and they chose them based on ability, leadership, production, attitude, etc.” The captains on offense are wide receiver Roderick Randolph and running back Ryan Crooks. The captains on defense include linebackers Dylan Haraway and Nick Holman.
“It’s truly an honor. It’s something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid and I’m really excited to be a leader on our team as we look to do great things this year,” said Haraway. After naming the captains, Coach Rose had other business to take care of like deciding what offensive system would best fit his new quarterbacks, Tyler Whalen and Jeremy Frye. “Offensively we will be a fast-paced spread offense. With new quarterbacks, we have tried to play at even faster rate like Oregon (University of Oregon Ducks).”
In addition, the Patriots are fairly young this season with less than half of the roster being seniors. Having younger players may raise questions of the level of maturity; nevertheless, Roderick Randolph believes he has the answer to these questions. “Leading by example is the best way really. If I go all out on every play, they’ll see what it takes to be a successful teammate, as well as an individual player.” And if Randolph’s comments are convincing enough, Junior Wide Receiver Jonathan Rice says he is prepared to take on the major responsibilities this season will entail. “I am a much bigger weapon for our offense and passing game this year. I’m expected to make every catch and make plays.”
The Patriots are striving to go undefeated and ultimately win the Class 6A Championship, a feat that has never occurred in the history of Bob Jones football. Meanwhile, player have promoted the “#UndefeatedCampaign” trend on Twitter. The Patriots are not guaranteeing they will win every game, rather they are setting their standards high. In order to achieve this, Nick Holman, asserted that working hard one day at a time will help accomplish their goal. “I personally think we need to take it day by day and outwork and out practice our opponent and everything will work out.”
The Patriots began their campaign this Saturday against Enterprise in the Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, AL. In Week 2, the Patriots will take on their crosstown rivals, the James Clemens Jets, the team Coach Rose is most excited to face. In Week 3, Bob Jones will travel to Florence to play the Falcons of Florence High School.
Again I ask, what would you say if I said I knew a high school football team in Alabama who had a chance at making history?This time, I hope Bob Jones is on the list. For those who still doubt what the Patriots can bring this season, in the words of Nick Holman, “I’m sorry.”
New season. New team. One dream. #UndefeatedCampaign
