By By Adam Prestridge
Escambia County High School couldn’t get anything going offensively Friday night with star quarterback Rico Stallworth sidelined with an injury.
The Blue Devils’ offense was only able to gain 173 yards of offense as they lost to Class 6A rival Baldwin County 20-6 on their home turf.
ECHS Head Coach Kyle Davis said the defense played tough throughout the duration of the game, but finally gave out late in the third quarter after spending a majority of the game on the field due to the lack of offensive production.
The Blue Devils (1-4, 1-2) came out of the gate strong as junior defensive back Marshall Rolin picked off Tigers (3-2, 0-2) quarterback Jordan Ebert’s pass of the game on the second play giving the home team excellent field position. Rolin made his turnover count as he hauled in sophomore replacement quarterback Derrick Williams’ 41-yard pass for a touchdown. Senior place kicker Tyler Boatwright’s point after was no good, but the Blue Devils had taken an early 6-0 lead.
That would be the only lead and score the home team would manage as they surrendered the lead to Baldwin County on the next drive when running back Namon Scott raced his way 31 yards into the end zone. Joshua Byrd capped off the drive with a point after, giving the visitors a 7-6 advantage with 4:02 remaining in the first quarter.
The remainder of the first half turned into defensive battle as each team had trouble hanging on to the pigskin as each gave up turnovers with neither able to capitalize. At halftime, the Tigers clung to a 7-6 lead.
The second half was one sided as the Tigers were able to score on their first play from scrimmage when running back Andrew King broke loose for 55 yards and the score. Byrd’s point after kick was no good, but the visitors had taken a 13-6 lead.
Baldwin County added its final score of the game with 7:42 left in the game when Christopher Bush bulled his way down the sideline for 24 yards and a touchdown. Byrd’s point after made the score 20-6.
The game turned out “sloppy,” Tigers Head Coach David Wofford said after the game.
Williams who started under center in place of Stallworth finished the night with 59 yards on 16 carries and was 3 of 13 passing for 64 yards. Davis said considering the circumstances, Williams played well.
The Blue Devils’ second leading rusher was freshman back TyJustin Brown who ran the ball twice for 35 yards.
Rolin led the defense with an interception and fumble recovery and six tackles. Senior Michael Mitchell also recovered a loose fumble.
The Blue Devils take on LeFlore for Homecoming next week. Davis said his players would need to stay focused on the game and not the Homecoming festivities.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.