By Staff
Even though the Bob Jones Patriots missed the playoffs this year by a couple of plays, with the number of starters returning next year, the future looks bright for the football team in 2003.
Friday night's win against the Huntsville Panthers put the Patriots at 5-5 for the 2002 season. After a 2-8 record last year, Coach Mike Bates and his staff have made the Patriots football program very competitive this year. The Patriots rolled past Huntsville 38-17 at Goldsmith-Schiffman Field.
Huntsville managed to score first on a 3-yard touchdown by Zac Joiner. However, Bob Jones answered with a 50-yard scamper by Max Martin in the first quarter. Martin again broke away for another rushing touchdown. This run went for 74 yards.
The Panthers came back with a 22-yard touchdown by Careg Bonner that tied the game.
The Bob Jones defense turned up the heat during the second half on the next few plays highlighted by a blocked pass by Barrett Sullivan and a big hit by Neal Bond.
A couple of nice runs by Max Martin and Michael Dean advanced the ball down the field, which was aided by a 15-yard facemask penalty against Huntsville. On first down, Michael Dean kept the ball and sprinted down the sidelines 24 yards while stretching the last couple of yards over the goal line for the score.
The third quarter ended with Bob Jones leading 28-17. It would be the last time the Panthers would add any numbers to the scoreboard.
The Patriots defense seemed to get stronger as the game continued. Max Martin broke another long run to help set up a 22-yard field goal by Chris Campbell to extend the lead by 14 points.
George Woods was hurt toward the end of the game and taken to the hospital for treatment. It is believed he suffered a hit to the neck area, which caused him to lose some feeling. Woods raised his arm while being rolled on the stretcher.
Dirk Caudle scored the last touchdown on a 10-yard run.
Martin led all rushers with 223 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.