The ball bounced in Escambia County’s direction Friday night as the visiting Blue Devils’ defense turned up the heat on eighth-ranked Andalusia as they crated up the Bulldogs 19-6.

Key defensive plays such as senior defense back Tocorian Brown’s two interceptions, one of which he returned 21 yards for a touchdown, and short field position helped ECHS to victory in the first round of the AHSAA Class 4A state playoffs.

“The defense played lights out,” first-year head coach Mark Heaton said. “We’ve been riding their backs all the way through this, and I’m so proud of them. I’m extremely proud of all of our guys, and for the community and the school.”

Heaton was not the only one impressed by his defense’s play.

Andalusia head coach Brian Seymore said the Blue Devils were the toughest his team has seen all season.

“I’ve got to give credit to (ECHS) coach (Mark) Heaton and their staff,” he said. “Their defensive line is the best we’ve seen.”

The Blue Devils jumped out to an early lead as they pounded out play after play on the opening drive of the game. Freshman quarterback Chris Johnson capped off the drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, which was set up by his 43-yard pass to senior quarterback and receiver Rico Stallworth. The point after was no good, but ECHS had an early 6-0 lead.

Escambia County’s defense held strong on Andalusia’s first drive forcing a three-and-out. After the Blue Devils punted the ball back to the Bulldogs, the home team mustered up what looked to be a promising drive until sophomore Domineque Hubert picked off Deion Akins’ pass to end the drive.

ECHS turned the ball over on downs on their next drive and forced Andalusia to punt after another three-and-out. On the ensuing punt, senior Marshall Rolin took the ball on one bounce and raced 44 yards to the Bulldogs 18-yard-line. Four plays later, Johnson bulled his way in from one yard out. The two-point conversion was no good, but ECHS had built on its lead.

After exchanging punts, Andalusia fumbled and ECHS junior defensive lineman Tyler Nero pounced on the pigskin. The turnover resulted in a punt for the Blue Devils, but the defense flexed its muscles once again as Brown snagged his first interception of the night as the Blue Devils headed into the locker room with a 12-0 lead.

The second half was much like the first as Escambia County’s defense continued to dominate Andalusia’s offense. Despite putting together a few promising drives, the Bulldogs shot themselves in the foot with costly penalties and turnovers.

The Blue Devils’ only score of the second half came on the last play of the third quarter when Brown picked off another Akins pass and scored. Nero’s extra point was good giving ECHS a 19-0 lead.

“Tocorian Brown played a heck of a ballgame tonight,” Heaton said.

The Bulldogs managed their only score on their first drive of the fourth quarter as they marched 65 yards in 15 plays scoring when Jacard Townsend caught Akins’ pass on a defensive pass deflection. Rolin partially blocked the extra point; as the Blue Devils would go onto win the contest, 19-6.

“We had them a little outmanned,” Heaton said. “They’ve got a great football team and they do a great job. They had a lot of turnovers and costly penalties that gave us the momentum and the edge. They played hard until the last second.”

Johnson finished the night 4 of 6 passing for 82 yards and ran the ball 12 times for 11 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Smith rushed for 49 yards on 13 carries. Stallworth was the leading receiver with three catches for 51 yards and senior Nick Flowers finished with two catches for 34 yards.

The Blue Devils will take to the road again next Friday night as they meet No. 3-ranked Jackson, which defeated Ashford 42-22 Friday night, in a rematch of Region 1 foes.

“We are going to go back to work tonight when we get back breaking this film down,” Heaton said. “I’m just glad I get to drive back up to Montgomery. The Lord has just blessed us and I am just so thankful to Him for everything he has done and where has put us. He deserves the honor and glory of this.”