By By Tammy Graham
The Escambia County High School Blue Devils kicked off the 2003 football season with a solid 32-20 pre-season victory over the visiting Shaw High School Eagles Thursday night.
The ECHS band, cheerleaders, and a large crowd of Devil fans came out in support of Coach Mardye McDole in his first game as ECHS head coach.
Facing his former squad, Coach McDole had the Devils ready and moved the ball consistently all night. Tailback Chris Simpson scored twice on runs in excess of 50 yards while Calvin Davis added another score. The passing game was effective as well, keeping several long drives alive and producing a second half TD.
The Devil defense played extremely well all night and held Shaw scoreless in the first half. Opening the second half, Shaw scored quickly but the Blue Devil offensive and defensive units stepped up and took control of the game.
A hard-hitting, heads-up defensive effort kept the hometown crowd on their feet and the offense in the game. The team effort produced 18 more second half points while two other touchdowns were nullified by penalties.
ECHS kicks off the 2003 season on Friday by visiting rival and defending state champion T.R. Miller.