Bob Jones Rocket League racks fourth state championship, premiere Madden title

MADISON – Without a doubt, Rocket League members at Bob Jones High School have been on a winning streak this school year, and they don’t show any indication of slowing down.

Bob Jones Rocket League has won their fourth state title in the PlayVS Rocket League Alabama State Playoffs. Bob Jones began in a bracket of the top 32 teams in the state.

In addition, Bob Jones won the first Alabama state championship in the PlayVS Madden State Playoffs. ‘Madden ‘21’ is an American football video game in which players can play as the current rosters of NFL teams. Bob Jones began with a bracket of the top eight teams in the state.

“We won two state championships in December and won another one in Rocket League,” Coach Aubree White said.

Rocket League members are seniors Joshua Vannoy and Mateo Santiago; freshman Luke Scherer; and eighth-grader Max Dunkerley. Jabari Salaam, a junior, earned the Madden championship. “Jabari Salaam proved successful this season due to his quick adaptability in Madden (football) gameplay, as well as his offensive and defensive player execution,” White said.

“I continue to be blown away at the time and work these players are putting in each season (and during off season),” White said. “I am so incredibly proud of their continued success, and I am so grateful for the recognition this team is receiving from across the state and even national levels for their success.”

“Bob Jones Fusion has continued to have success due to their game knowledge and skill, team chemistry and love for the game,” White said.

During the regular season, Bob Jones Fusion practiced, scrimmaged and played to continue in maximizing their skills used in the crossplay competition of Rocket League. ‘Crossplay’ indicates that players across all gaming platforms — PC, Xbox, PlayStation — can complete together.

The eSports experience allows players consistently to build critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills.

“Bob Jones eSports program extends a huge thanks to Lisa and Larry Vannoy for the continued support of the program, as well as Principal Sylvia Lambert and Assistant Principal Amy Thaxton for driving to attend the State Championship,” White said.