By By Chandler Myers
Jevon Dixon’s 96-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with just under four minutes to play Friday night took the life out of Escambia County’s last-quarter charge as the visiting LeFlore Rattlers (3-3, 2-2) left town with a 32-21 region victory.
Trailing 26-14 in the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils’ offense orchestrated a 10-play, 64-yard scoring drive capped off by junior quarterback Rico Stallworth’s 1-yard charge into the end zone. Senior place kicker Tyler Boatwright’s point after kick cut into the visitor’s lead, 26-21.
The wind was taken out of the sails of the homecoming crowd when on the ensuing kickoff, Dixon raced his way into the end zone from the 4-yard-line.
All of the late action came on the heels of several penalties on both sides of the ball, including two LeFlore ejections after players began pushing and shoving following a late hit. Each team was warned and play resumed.
Davis said he was proud of the way his players and coaching staff handled the situation after it looked as if both sidelines would clear.
LeFlore head coach Christopher Raymond said he believes the incident was all a part of hard play with each team needing region wins. He added that he was happy to be leaving town with a win.
The Blue Devils managed only one score in the first half of play as its offense sputtered. Stallworth scored on a 1-yard touchdown late in the half to pull within six points, 12-7.
The defense gave up two big plays in the first half, a 31-yard touchdown reception and a 54-yard reception that set up a 5-yard touchdown run.
The Rattlers scored their third touchdown of the game midway through the third quarter on a 20-yard touchdown reception. They followed up that score with a 14-yard reception for a touchdown on their following drive.
ECHS pulled within 12 when Stallworth and Rayvon Madison connected on a 39-yard touchdown pass. Boatwright’s point after proved true.
Madison had an interception on defense and Marshall Rolin scooped up a fumble to lead the Blue Devils’ defense.
The loss places the Blue Devils (1-5, 1-3) on the hot seat, forcing them to win the next three region games to have a chance at making the playoffs with a little help from previous region foes.
Next week, they travel to Gulf Shores to take on the Dolphins in another regional match up.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m.