MADISON – Two teams from Bob Jones High School excelled in the 2020 PlayVS eSports state championship.

The eSports state competition was held at the new Magic City ePlex in Birmingham on Jan. 31. eSports interest has grown rapidly in recent years since the Alabama High School Athletic Association or AHSAA sanctioned the activity. eSports players strengthen their STEM-related skills in a video-game environment to engage in computer technology, statistical analysis and strategy.

The Bob Jones students competed in final championships for the “League of Legends” and “Rocket League” gaming. This innovation is significant because the venue can involve students who otherwise would not pursue extra-curricular activities. Experience in eSports could lead to scholarship opportunities and job prospects.

Bob Jones defeated Grissom High School to earn the 2020 PlayVS eSports Rocket League crown. Rocket League team members are Joshua Vannoy, Ian Barrier, Caleb Cooper, Jacob Fruehwald and Jordan Hazuga.

Bob Jones’ state title in the Rocket League is its first. eSports became a sports activity in the AHSAA in the 2018-2019 school year, according to David Holtsford with “Patriot Pages” (bjhspatriotpages.com).

Thompson High School won the League of Legions championship with a 2-1 score over Bob Jones Red Team, which claimed the runner-up honor. Members of Bob Jones Red Team squad are Riley McGraw, Tyler Theakston, Amber Guo, Scott Reid, Cuong Guo, Sunah Brewer and Cong Vo.

The League of Legends team includes Scott Reid, Tyler Theakston, Cuong Vo, Amber Guo, Riley McGraw, Cong Vo, Sunah Brewer and Grant Harper.

Aubree White coaches the eSports teams.

With the spring season underway, eSports teams are searching for business sponsors and partnerships to buy gaming laptops, according to “Patriot Pages” (bjhspatriotpages.com). Currently, Bob Jones students use a Mac lab, which is not a good platform for this activity. Some players also bring their laptops from home. Interested sponsors can contact White at awhite@madisoncity.k12.al.us.