Robertsdale enters 2026 with veteran QB Cub Jones and a relentless mindset as the Golden Bears look to climb the 6A Region 1 standings.
The Golden Bears enter the 2026 season looking to build on the progress they made during Justin Jones’ first year as head coach. While last year’s 4-6 record may not have turned many heads outside Baldwin County, it represented meaningful progress for a program that earned its first region victory in three seasons and began establishing a new culture.
Now, with an experienced quarterback returning and another offseason in Jones’ system, Robertsdale believes it’s positioned to take another step forward in 6A Region 1.
“We’ve had a really good summer,” Jones said. “It’s been highly competitive. The great thing about Robertsdale kids is they’re going to show up. They’re learning the value of what hard work looks like, what the tempo of practice should look like and what competitive spirit should look like.
If we continue to make strides—even if we’re crawling—let’s just don’t go backwards. ”Coach Jones’ son, senior quarterback Cub Jones, returns after completing 61 percent of his passes for 1,356 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while adding 303 rushing yards and four more scores. His experience gives Robertsdale one of the more established quarterbacks in the region. Sophomore running back RJ Barnett showed flashes last season and is expected to take on a larger role alongside junior Desmon Rogers.
The receiving corps has also received a major boost with the additions of All-State McIntosh transfer Joshua Harris, Spanish Fort transfer Willie McCovery and Murphy transfer Elijah Allen. Returning seniors Brandon Clayton and Colton Boudreaux give Jones plenty of familiar targets as well.
“We’re looking a lot better,” Cub Jones said. “We’ve got a bunch of new faces, a new offensive coordinator and a lot of new things. I’m excited for this season. ”“It’s all about practice reps,” Jones said.
“Just keep doing the same thing after practice and getting those extra throws in. That’s how you build that chemistry. ” The offensive line also returns valuable experience with seniors Elijah Rogers and Robert Sledge Jr. anchoring the front after another offseason in the weight room.
“Offensively, we’re a year older, so that helps tremendously,” he said. “You’re older at quarterback, you’re older at receiver and you’re older up front. Usually those things blend well and help you have a little more success. ” Defensively, Robertsdale enters the season with something it lacked a year ago—depth and competition.
Hunter Williams returns after moving from defensive end to middle linebacker, a transition Jones praised as a selfless move made to strengthen the defense.
“He’s done a great job,” Jones said. “You’re asking a kid who played 11 games at one position to move somewhere else because it’s what’s best for the team, and he’s embraced it. He’s had a great spring and a great summer. ”“I think our defense is going to be one of the best we’ve had in the past four years,” Williams said.
“We’ve got a bunch of new kids coming in that are fitting the pieces of the puzzle, and they’re making us better every day. Iron sharpens iron. ” The Golden Bears also strengthened the secondary by adding Escambia transfers Jo’navan Bryant and Trentan Robinson, who join returning defensive backs Kyron Williams and Wyatt Gipson.
Up front, Hunter Williams, Jaheim Howard and the defensive front hope to improve a unit that surrendered nearly 30 points per game last season. For Williams, the excitement extends beyond wins and losses. As a senior, he wants to leave the program in a better place than he found it.
“Ever since Coach Jones came here, it’s been a total climate change,” Williams said. “We’ve been attacking every lift, every rep, every workout. I want us to be as good as we can for as long as we can. That means helping the younger guys and teaching them, I want to leave this program better than I found it.
” Coach Jones says culture has been the foundation of everything they’ve tried to build since arriving at Robertsdale. When asked what he hopes people say after watching the Golden Bears play this fall, his answer wasn’t about wins or statistics.
“I want somebody to say those kids are relentless,” Jones said. “Whether they’re up by 40 or down two touchdowns, they’re relentless. If we can get to that point, it’ll make our community proud, it’ll make our school proud, and I think it’ll get us the results we’re after. ”We’re going to bring it every day,” Jones said.
“We’re going to bring that energy, and we’re going to play hard no matter what. No matter who’s on the opposite side, we’re going to play hard and play our game. The Golden Bears still have questions to answer after replacing much of last year’s rushing production and several key defensive contributors, but there’s little doubt the expectations inside the program are higher entering year two.
With an experienced quarterback, improved depth and a culture that continues to take shape, Robertsdale believes it has the pieces to become one of the surprise teams in 6A Region 1 this fall. University of Alabama student, friend and dog all found killed in home where friend was pet sitting, police sayTeen accused of stabbing parents, killing mom over being disciplined, officials sayUMS-Wright embraces new era in Private Double-A with experienced quarterback, familiar rivalries and championship expectations
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