Blue Devils fall 28-14 on homecoming

Flomaton’s two fourth-down conversions in the fourth quarter led to touchdowns as the Hurricanes spoiled Escambia County 28-14 on the Blue Devils’ homecoming Friday night in Atmore

Flomaton’s Daquan Johnson converted two short-yardage fourth-down situations for scores in the fourth quarter to pull away for the victory. Johnson accounted for four touchdowns tonight — from the 37, 2 and 2 on the ground, and from the 11 in the air — to lead the Hurricanes.

Escambia County didn’t quit even though down late in a game that could’ve had a different outcome, Blue Devils head football coach Rico Jackson said.

“The kids played hard,” Jackson said. “It was just a lot to overcome. I think we had 20-25 penalties. They had two.

“Sometimes you just get stuck with the wrong end of the stick,” he said.

Johnson’s first fourth-quarter touchdown took place four plays after converting a fourth-and-seven on a pass to Da’Shun Odom. After the missed PAT, FHS led 21-14.

The Hurricanes played good defense on Atmore’s next possession, breaking up two big pass plays.

Johnson then converted the second fourth-down play from the 11 on a pass to Quincie McCall with 4:10 to go. With the PAT, FHS put the game out of reach at 28-14.

Atmore had a chance at cutting the game back to one score on its next possession, but a holding call negated the needed point opportunity.

Jackson said even though the kids faced a lot of adversity, they kept fighting.

With the victory, Flomaton improves to 5-0 on the season, and welcomes Bayside Academy at home next week in Class 3A, Region 1 action. ECHS falls to 3-2, and visits Clarke County in a week.

The Blue Devils, down at the start of the second half, put together a long and good drive, mixing runs with passes on the field.

Jordaun Patterson found JaBryce Hooks from 6 yards out for a touchdown with 2:55 left in the third quarter. Malik Brown converted the 2-point try and ECHS cut it to 15-14.

Earlier in the first half, Johnson scooted in from 37 yards; Craig Brown rushed the ball in from 6 yards; and Johnson tapped the ball in from the 2.

Flomaton head football coach Doug Vickery said those two fourth-down conversions by Johnson were key.

“We have a lot of resilience,” Vickery said. “We have some tough kids. I’ve got great leadership, and people bought in. I’ve got a great coaching staff. They put up with me sometimes.

“My seniors, they just didn’t quit,” he said. “I thought Da’Shun Odom played well offensively. Quincie McCall played well. Our junior quarterback (Johnson) played well, too.”

Vickery said Atmore’s got a great team.

“They’ve got so many athletes,” he said. “You’ve got a scheme to be able to tackle them. Hats off to them. Coach Jackson, what he’s done, is remarkable. They’ll win some games this year.”

In other action, Bessemer Academy beat Escambia Academy 31-7; and T.R. Miller defeated Hillcrest-Evergreen 14-0.