MADISON BOWL – Jets slam the door on Bob Jones with field goal block in epic game

MADISON – There were cars, trucks and SUVs littered all around the campus of Madison City Stadium.

Celtic Drive was humming like a festival was in town.

Bob Jones and James Clemens fans packed the stands Friday evening for the much-anticipated “Madison Bowl.”

The Jets and Patriots students were crammed into their end zone sections across the football field chanting profanities at the familiar foes.

It is always different when these two schools meet up.

Good old-fashioned hate with a whisper of respect that is drowned out by the bands playing over each other as the teams do battle.

For a game with so much hype around it, the 2024 edition of this matchup delivered in every way.

Both sides had memorable plays in key moments, but it was James Clemens who did just a bit more to edge past its bitter rival 34-31.

The Jets were opportunistic, and the defense stepped up and made massive plays to stifle Bob Jones with the clock draining down.

Sophomore running back MJ Gideon’s 1-yard touchdown run with 1:17 remaining in the fourth quarter gave JC the lead back at 34-31 as the Patriots looked to break their hearts in the final minute.

As the clock bled down to five seconds, Bob Jones lined up for a 43-yard field goal attempt that was blocked by a sea of blue James Clemens defenders to secure the epic victory with a knockout punch.

The Jets student section poured out on to the field in glee to celebrate with the James Clemens players.

For a complete breakdown of the Madison Bowl, be sure to pick up a print copy of The Madison Record on Wednesday, Sept. 11.