By Staff
Chuck Bodiford
Friday night the Escambia County Blue Devils faced off against the UMS-Wright Bulldogs taking a tough loss 51-7.
The Bulldogs received the ball at the opening of the first quarter only to lose possession with their fist play. Junior Chris Andrews of the Blue Devils swooped in and intercepted a Bulldog pass 23 seconds into the game, but the Blue Devils were not able to capitalize on the turnover. With 9:38 on the clock the Bulldogs made the first touchdown of the night when Senior Milan Williams weaved through the Devils' defense from the 19-yard line. A punt snap sailed Calvin Hartley's head and Hartley kicked the ball into the end zone for a safety. With 6:55 in the first quarter Michael Scott, a UMS-Wright sophomore, scored the second of four touchdowns in the first quarter for the Bulldogs. Senior Will Cherry scored the next touchdown for the Bulldogs with 5:47 on the clock making a three-yard run. This was followed by Junior Tom Leatherbury scoring on a 10-yard touchdown with one second in the first quarter. At the end of the first quarter, the Bulldogs led 30-0.
Amidst numerous flags against the Blue Devils, the Bulldogs made one more touchdown and a good PAT bringing the score to 37-0 to end the first half.
The Blue Devils came out in the second half ready to play some football.
Defensively the Devils held the Bulldogs to one touchdown in both the third and fourth quarters.
With 49 seconds in the third quarter Hartley carried the ball for seven yards scoring the first and only touchdown of the night for the Blue Devils. The PAT was good.
The game ended with the UMS-Wright Bulldogs leading the Escambia County Blue Devils 51-7. After the game Coach Mardye McDole of the Blue Devils talked to the team about the game. According to McDole the team has the physical ability, but still lacks the mental discipline needed to win.
"This is probably the best team we'll see all year. I hope we see them again, I would like a rematch," McDole said. "Next week we get to go on the road, which is what I am looking forward to. I want see how these guys perform without all the distractions."
Next week the Escambia County Blue Devils travel to Andalusia for Friday night's game.