After finishing 9-4 in his first season with the Escambia County Blue Devils, head coach Mark Heaton is excited about things to come for his football team.

Heaton said he is satisfied with the season his team had and how well his coaching staff performed.

“First, I’m very thankful for the staff and for the kids in this program,” Heaton said. “Everything just fell together this year and when they did the Lord just blessed us.”

With a return to Class 4A, the Blue Devils expected to compete for a playoff spot, but most did not expect the team to make a deep playoff run.

Heaton said the key to his team’s success was the talent they had on the team.

“We’ve got extremely good football players here in Atmore,” he said. “That’s the key to success we had this season.”

During the season, the Blue Devils had several victories on the field as well as off of it as a program..

Heaton said the marquee win this season was the team’s first game and added that the team coming together was another victory.

“Our biggest win on the field this season was our win over T.R. Miller,” he said. “That really set the tone for our season. I think as a whole our biggest win more than any game was the growth the team made throughout the year. When it’s all said and done learning to overcome adversity like they did meant more to me than a win.”

Even with the season over, the Blue Devils will continue to better themselves as they take part in the off season strength and conditioning program.

Heaton said he thinks with he and his staff being in place it will make a difference.

“Off season workouts will be crucial,” he said. “We were kind of set back last year with our staff getting here so late, but I think the kids having a chance to go through it this year will help get the ball rolling for next season.”