By By ZACH BROOKS
Sports Writer
The Escambia County High School Blue Devils earned thier first win against the Cintronelle Wildcats Friday night on Homecoming. The Devils defeated the Wildcats by using a explosive running game, great line play, and a bend-but-dont-break defense.
The offensive line over the last few weeks has been coming together and creating holes to run and pass through. "The young guys have finally started to step up, and our seniors are starting to step up and become leaders', ECHS coach Frankie Bell said.
The line is led by seniors Josh Gurley and Carlton Robinson. Gurley was hurt for the Blue Devils first four games. He injured his leg in the Devils preseason jamboree game against Woodham High School. Robinson has been playing good all year and should continue to create holes for Devils.
The Devils play the B.C. Rain Raiders this week in another must-win area game. B.C. Rain defeated the Blount Leapards last week 20-6.
Bell believes the two teams will be evenly matched.
B.C. Rain runs a 4-3 defense, while Cintronelle runs a 5-3.
If ECHS can pull out a win, they will be in a position to compete in the area playoffs, while a loss ensures they will not play for an area title. Currently ECHS is 1-6 on the season and is 1-3 in area play, making a playoff bid possible, though improbable.
ECHS will try to make last Friday night's combination pay off this week.
Bell said, " On offense, we will not be doing much different but will try to eliminate our mistakes."
A critical dropped pass last week against Cintronelle would have given the Devils a huge lift. Bell said mistakes like those and penalties will have to be eliminated.
Many Devils have also dropped sure interceptions in the past few weeks that could have given the Devils a win.
The J.V. football team was brought up this week to join the varsity. The J.V. team will go through drills with the team in practice and dress out for the game.
Coach Bell said, "I hope to teach the J.V. players the correct technique and give them some varsity experience." Bell also said,"I hope people will also come out and support us on Friday night for such a big game."
The game is to be played in Mobile. Kickoff time is 7:30.