The Escambia County Blue Devils have been a surprise two weeks into the 2010 season as they have opened up with a 2-0 record under first-year head coach Mark Heaton.

The Blue Devils have also been able to open up region play with a 1-0 record after cruising to an impressive 43-15 win over the B.C. Rain Red Raiders last Friday night.

This week, the Blue Devils will take on their toughest opponent yet when they travel to Mobile to take on the UMS-Wright Bulldogs who are coming off their first region win after crushing W.S. Neal 47-0 last week.

Blue Devils head coach Mark Heaton said his team will need to be focused and ready in order to have a shot at a victory.

“UMS-Wright is by far the best team that we have faced this season,” Heaton said. “I think the key for us to be successful is our offense controlling the ball and keeping their offense off of the field. They have a great tailback who has committed to Auburn and a good wide receiver. Eliminating their big plays and keeping the ball will be our keys to success Friday night.”

For the Blue Devils, defense will be a huge factor in order for them to improve to 3-0.

Heaton said not allowing the Bulldogs to get big plays will be important.

“Defensively, we have to stop giving up big plays,” Heaton said. “Last week, we gave up a big pass play where a jump was misjudged, but that will be important for us in this week’s game.”

Offensively, the Blue Devils have had some strengths in their first two wins that they hope continue against UMS-Wright.

Heaton said time of possession has been one of the important things his football team has done well.

“Being able to get long drives and eat up the clock has helped us,” Heaton said. “Our time of possession and ability to establish a run game has been really big. It’s also helped open up our play action plays.”

With a victory over the Bulldogs, the Blue Devils could establish themselves as a team to beat in Class 4A, Region 1.

Heaton said a win would be huge and help get the team closer to some goals.

“A win would be huge,” Heaton said. “It would not only help our chances at the playoffs, but also our goal to host a playoff game. UMS is a team with great kids and great tradition, so a win would be huge.”

The Blue Devils and Bulldogs kick off Friday night at 7 p.m. in Mobile.