The Escambia County Blue Devils had to climb out of a hole against the B.C. Rain Red Raiders last Friday to earn their second area win of the season.

The Blue Devils (11-6, 2-0) fell behind in the first half, but were able to gain momentum after halftime to outlast the Red Raiders.

In the first quarter, the Blue Devils struggled to hit their shots as B.C. Rain outscored them 13-7.

B.C. Rain held control of the game in the second quarter as they again outscored ECHS this time 18-12 to take the lead into halftime ahead 31-19.

Following halftime, the Blue Devils turned their fortunes around and began playing how they did in the county tournament to close out 2010.

The third quarter was dominant for the Blue Devils as they hammered away at the Red Raiders’ lead outscoring them 24-15 to pull within three points.

Down 46-43 with the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils kept the ball rolling as they outscored the Red Raiders 16-10 to come away with the 59-56 victory.

Blue Devils head coach Anthony Hayes said his team played well despite his absence with military drill.

“We only shot 53 percent from the free-throw line, so we are pleased to have gone on the road in a tough environment and come away with an area win,” he said. “Coach (Jerome) Webster, our junior varsity coach, led the guys into competion and did a wonderful job. He knows our system and is experienced in game situations. We are proud of the job they did at B.C. Rain. “

Blue Devils center Andrew Rodgers picked up where he left in 2010 when he won the county tournament MVP by posting a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Guard C.J. Pierce added 12 points for the Blue Devils and also recorded two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Demarcus McMillian also scored double-digits recording 11 points to go along with five boards.

Fred Knight posted 10 points for ECHS and snagged three steals and one rebound.

Tacorian Brown rounded out the scoring with nine points and posted two boards, two assists and two steals.

The Blue Devils next game is Friday at home against Saraland. Tipoff is at 7:30 p.m.