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Escambia County’s James Whatley scored three touchdowns and the Blue Devils shutout Wilcox Central 34-0 tonight on homecoming at Herbert Barnes Stadium in Atmore.

Whatley scored his first two touchdowns in the first half as ECHS built a 27-0 lead going into halftime. He scored his third early in the second half on a 1-yard scamper.

ECHS head football coach Vincent Harris said the boys practiced hard this week and it showed tonight.

“The kids were physical, and they did what they were supposed to do,” Harris said. “I’m proud of them, and for getting the win. Our execution is getting a little bit better each week.”

The win tonight comes seven days after the Blue Devils traveled to Fairhope and fell 42-13 to St. Michael in Class 4A, Region 1 play.

Harris said the felt the boys responded well.

“I was proud of the way they responded,” he said. “That’s something big for them to respond the way they did. We’re trying to turn that corner.

“We’re trying to understand how to handle adversity,” he said. “To play the next step and getting them through that adversity.”

With the victory, ECHS improves to 3-1 overall, and 2-1 in region play.

The second touchdown for ECHS came on a touchdown pass from Dakota DeSpain to Lorenzo Arnold in the first half.

With a big lead, there was a running clock in the second half.

Next week, the Blue Devils visit Monroe County in regular-season action.