Things are really beginning to heat up in the football season with the Blue Devils and Cougars approaching the halfway points of their campaigns.

The Blue Devils have surprised some people with their performances on the field thus far putting up a 3-1 overall record, while going 2-1 in the region.

They have made some statement wins starting with their 35-34 overtime victory against T.R. Miller that got the ball rolling.

Last week’s shutout of W.S. Neal was the first for the Blue Devils in 172 games. Their last one came in 1993.

This team has come a farcry from where they have been the last two years thanks in part to evening up the competition with a drop down to Class 4A.

Their lone loss came in a 31-6 game against the UMS-Wright Bulldogs, and really could have gone in favor of the Blue Devils had they been able to capitalize in certain situations.

A blocked punt, a touchdown that was called back and a failed trip to the one yard line held ECHS back from making any noise in that game.

After halftime, they played much harder, according to their head coach Mark Heaton and had a chance to at least come away with a second-half victory only being out scored 10-6 in the third and fourth quarters.

This week, they travel to Faith Academy in Mobile looking to secure a 4-1 start against a former region opponent from their previous two years in Class 5A.

A win in this game would be great for the Blue Devils’ confidence as they approach region games against Thomasville and Jackson.

An upset in one of those games could help the Blue Devils possibly secure the No. 2 or No. 3 seeds in the region standings.

Down Hwy. 31, the Escambia Academy Cougars have had a rollercoaster season so far starting out 3-2, 1-1.

The new spread option offense the Cougars have been running has been successful in engineering 34 points per game, but the defense has had trouble in their two losses allowing 51 in the first and 62 in last Friday’s loss to Prattville Christian Academy.

This week, the Cougars travel to Butler to take on Patrician, and a win here would help give the team a boost as they begin their run in region play.

Patrician has gotten the better of the Cougars over the past couple of seasons, so it will take a lot to come away with a win.

With a tight defense and the offense rolling down the field anything could be possible.

There is still time for this team to get back on track and make a strong run.

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com