By By Chandler Myers
Escambia County’s 27-14 senior night victory over Robertsdale was monumental for two reasons. First, it was the Blue Devils first senior night victory since Kyle Davis has become head coach. Second, it was the first home for the Blue Devils since September of 2007.
The Blue Devils (3-7, 1-6) ended their first season in Class 5A on a high note with a win over a 6A opponent.
Head coach Kyle Davis said it felt good to end the season with a win and happy that his first group of four year players were able to win their final game.
ECHS fought all night long against the Golden Bears and went into the half up 21-7.
In the second half, both teams continued to battle back and forth and ended the third quarter scoreless.
After the start of the fourth quarter, the action picked up and both teams began to play harder for the win.
With 7:23 left in the game, Robertsdale scored a touchdown to make the score 21-14.
After the Golden Bears touchdown, ECHS took the ball and went three and out punting the back to Robertsdale with time winding down.
At the 4:37 mark, junior linebacker Jon Dean intercepted a pass, but the Blue Devils gave the ball right back to Robertsdale on the next player after sophomore quarterback Rico Stallworth threw an interception.
The Blue Devils’ defensive performance continued to shine as Nate Davis recorded a sack for a huge 14 yard loss with 3:36 left in the game.
On fourth-and-five, the Blue Devils stopped the Golden Bears and got the ball back with just under three minutes left.
The Blue Devils put the icing on the cake as senior Michael Thomas scored his final touchdown and the final touchdown of the night with 2:48 to play. Thomas took the ball from Stallworth and was first hit at the Robertsdale 10-yard line, but bulldozed his way through three defenders to the end zone. The score put the Blue Devils on top 27-14 and sealed the victory.
Davis said he was proud of his seniors for the effort they put out not only in this game, but all season.
The Blue Devils end the season with a victory and now look towards their second season in Class 5A and becoming more competitive.
Davis said the first season in 5A was tough, but thinks next season will be even better because of the experience gained.