The Bob Jones vs. Decatur football game Oct. 22 was billed as the biggest game of the week, and season, and the 24-21 overtime thriller drew more than just 6,000 fans to Madison City Schools Stadium.

The game was so big that Dr. Robert Bentley, the Republican candidate for governor, was in attendance just 11 days before the Nov. 2 election against Democratic candidate Ron Sparks.

“I love high school football,” Bentley said. “High school football is as American as apple pie. It brings communities together.”

Bentley said he believes he is the best candidate for governor because he, too, can bring communities together by putting Alabama families back to work.

“I understand people,” Bentley said. “I feel like I’m on the right side of the aisle, and I’m going to clean up Montgomery.”

Bentley said the North Alabama area has so much to offer the state, and it is vital to continue the growth that has been experienced during the last decade.

“I’ve been so impressed with the leadership and opportunity in North Alabama,” Bentley said.

Institutions such as the University of Alabama-Huntsville, Redstone Arsenal, and the recent Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) are helping keep Alabamians employed, Bentley said.

“And I will honor all projects that have been promised,” Bentley said.