By Erik Harris
For The Tribune
MADISON — No. 5 Bob Jones was rewarded for a strong regular season that saw it win nine out of 10 games on its way to claiming its fifth straight Class 6A, Region 8 title. Bob Jones got to host fourth-seeded Hewitt-Trussville, which barely squeaked its way into the playoffs.
The reward was meant to pave a smooth path to the second round for the Patriots, but the Huskies proved to be more than your average speed bump. The visitors looked more like a roadblock bound to put the Bob Jones’ playoff journey in park. Eventually, the Patriots grinded through for a 21-12 win, but not without a few dents and a flat tire.
“I think their coach just had a good plan and their kids played extremely hard and they took advantage of the mistakes we made,” said Bob Jones head coach Kevin Rose.
After Bob Jones (10-1) took a 14-0 lead at halftime, Hewitt-Trussville seemed to be down and out. The Patriots reached the end zone on their third and fifth possessions of the game and with the home team defense dominating the field, the Huskies (5-6) appeared dead in the water.
All they could muster in the first 24 minutes of play was 66 total yards and a 34 percent completion percentage. However, the Hewitt-Trussville defense stood tall and kept the contest within reach. Midway through the third quarter, the Huskies came to life and scored on a Zac Thomas five-yard dash to shorten the deficit to 14-6.
Hewitt-Trussville senior quarterback Blake Bailey
file photo by Ron Burkett
Hewitt-Trussville’s gritty defense stayed strong and with 1:24 remaining in the third, senior quarterback Blake Bailey tossed a strike to Riley Stokes, who turned on the burners and left the secondary for a 69-yard touchdown. The Patriots clung to a 14-12 advantage after holding on the two-point conversion.
“The effort out of our defense was incredible tonight, they played their guts out,” said Hewitt-Trussville head coach Hal Riddle. “I just love those kids.”
Despite dominating most all statistical categories, the home team was being pushed to the edge. But they showed some toughness of their own and swung back.
“We had plenty of opportunities to put the game away and we just didn’t execute,” Rose said. “We have to do a better job offensively.”
After forcing a Hewitt-Trussville punt on its ensuing drive, Bob Jones pieced together a six-play drive that went 75 yards to paydirt. Junior signal caller Jeremy Frye caped it off with an 8-yard quarterback keeper through the middle of the Hewitt-Trussville defense. The scamper came with 7:25 remaining in the game and gave the Patriots a permanent nine-point lead.
Frye made big plays all night and was really the difference maker in this one. He played well in and out of the pocket. The junior completed 20 of his 36 attempts for 280 yards and a rushing touchdown. He led Bob Jones to nearly 400 yards of total offense.
Hewitt-Trussville accumulated 276 yards with eight first downs. Bailey went 22-of-47 through the air for 257 yards and a score.
Senior wide receiver DeMarcus Kelly brought in five of those receptions for 55 yards. Stokes caught three passes for 79 yards and the touchdown.
“This is a great senior class,” Kelly said. “It’s an honor to play with each and every one of them and it hurts right now, but life goes on.”
