When it comes to offensive football, these two teams do it very well and look for a high scoring shoot out between Gadsden City traveling to Bob Jones in a big 7A Region 4 game. This winner of this game should be the front runner for the region champion.
In this game last year, Gadsden City defeated Bob Jones 44-23 at Gadsden City High Stadium. The Titans hooked up a lot of big plays in the game that Bob Jones looks to eliminate this time around. "We can't make a mistake on defense or special teams or they will score, its scary," said Bob Jones Head coach Kevin Rose. "You miss a tackle, they are going to score. We have to stop the run to be successful, but nobody has done it yet."
Gadsden City (3-1, 2-0) comes into this game on a three-game winning streak. There only loss was the season opener against Auburn 45-38. The Titans offense averages 49.0 points per game and could pull have put up Ole Miss scores of 70 points if they would have left the starts in a few games this season. Ahmad DeRamus leads the Titans offense with his legs and arm. The talented lefty QB can make the big play at any moment on the field. DeRamus has completed 33-of-45 passing for 613 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.
At the running back position, Damon Williams and Rodney Bozeman can hit the big run. Williams can hit the corner with his speed and can get into the end zone in a hurry. Both Williams, Bozeman and DeRamus were key players in the win last season. Williams leads the Titans with 407 yards on 42 carries for a whopping 9.7 yards per carry with five touchdowns. Bozeman has 325 yards on 36 carries for 9.0 yards per carry and four touchdowns.
DeRamus has a lot of weapons on offense. Besides his two running backs, Gadsden City has three wide receivers that plays a big part of the Titans offense. Darnel Mooney has 13 receptions for 272 yards with a 20.9 yard per catch average and four touchdowns. Denzel Mooney has seven receptions for 139 yards for a 19.9 yard per catch average and one touchdown. Jaylon Williams has five receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns.
On the offensive line, Jamahl Jelks leads the way for the Titans offense. The 6-3, 320 pound senior has offers from Jacksonville State and Southern Mississippi right now. Look for more offers to keep coming his way.
On defense for Gadsden City, DeWayne Parker leads the team with tackles with 30 for the season. Linebacker Jarvis McKee has 28 tackles, defensive end Jatorrious King has 21 tackles and defensive end 20 tackles.
For Bob Jones, they had to come back in the fourth quarter in two games early in the season. "We have shown that we can come from behind," added Rose. "We shown some character early in the season coming back from Decatur on the road and James Clemens at home. I think we have a little bit of grit about us."
The Patriots have weapons on their own and look to use them in a big way Friday night. At quarterback, Brady Polson leads the way for the Patriots. The pocket QB has completed 38-of-71 passing for 678 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. "Brady does a great job of managing the offense," said Rose. "He does a great job of distributing the ball to our playmakers. The kid is a winner and has shown great poise in some stressful situations."
With Polson in the backfield, the running game has been good with Miles Strickland. "The sky is the limit for Miles," said Rose. "If he is healthly and durable, I think he can do some very special things. He is seems to be more explosive now being close to being 100 percent healthy." Strickland has 200 yards on 38 carries and five touchdowns along with 201 yards on six catches and 2 touchdowns only in two games. Strickland has college offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Army, Central Arkansas, Furnam, Georgia St., Memphis, Navy, and Troy.
With Strickland in the backfield, Polson has a couple of good receivers. Brad Anderson has 198 yards on 9 catches and one touchdown and Jonathan Moss has 156 yards on 11 catches and three touchdowns. A few other receivers are Derek Marion and Mikhi Stewart looking to make an impact in this region game.
Offensive lineman Kendall Randolph (6'5"/275 lbs) leads the Patriots offensive line. The junior lineman has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Louisville, Mississippi, Mississippi State and others. "Kendall has an NFL body, with great wing span," said Rose. "He is a great play with two older brothers that have been a great example for him so he is maturing." Tucker Walters is another great offensive lineman for the Patriots. This group is getting better each week.
On defense, linebacker Cameron Langham leads the way for the Patriots. "He is our captain and our mike linebacker," said Rose. "He has become a great leader for us." Langham had 19 taclkes against James Clemens this season. Defensive back AJ Harris look to take away the Titans big play passing game Friday night.
Both teams can make big plays at any moment. Last year in the game, the play action of the Titans and a special team punt return played a big role on the Gadsden City win. If the Patriots can't stop the Titans run game, it could be a long night again for the Bob Jones.
