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While the loss at the AHSAA Class 4A state championship is still fresh for the Escambia County Blue Devils, none of their pride should be hurt because the Atmore community rallied behind them last week.

The Blue Devils ended their historic season last Friday night, falling to Jacksonville 85-49 in the state title game at Legacy Arena. Three days previous, ECHS defeated a scrappy Haleyville team in the semifinals 70-60 after dominating the fourth period of play.

The state championship game was the Blue Devils’ first championship appearance.

On Monday before the semifinals, residents and business professionals lined Main Street to wish the basketball team well on their journey to Birmingham. Escambia County Middle School students did the same the day before the championship game.

Just after the win on Tuesday, I started to see signs popping up throughout town, wishing the Blue Devils luck in their run at the state tournament.

Local businesses showed their support as well, and even a rival school in W.S. Neal wished the Blue Devils luck as they played in the state title game.

As Friday dawned, I made my way to work and did my normal routine, as best as I could.

Before leaving for the day, I had to work ahead as I was heading out of town to get away for a couple of days.

The time to depart approached and I made my way up to Birmingham for the big game.

The journey there was easy enough, and no major obstacles were in my way.

When I arrived at Legacy Arena, I made it a point to drop my stuff off at the press working area and go inside the arena to see the crowd.

A swell of support from Atmore came to root for the boys as they played.

While the loss was tough for the team, they won in the hearts of the Atmore community.