By By Adam Prestridge
A last-second Hail Mary fell short for Citronelle Friday night as the Escambia County Blue Devils ended a four-game losing skid to capture a 21-14 region win at Herbert Barnes Stadium Friday night.
Wildcat quarterback Andrew Crane heaved a pass from midfield with only four ticks left on the game clock, which was hauled in at the 1-yard-line securing the win for the home team. ECHS head coach Kyle Davis said he was pleased to add another “W” in the win column.
The Blue Devils jumped out in front of the Wildcats with 4:37 remaining in the first quarter when sophomore quarterback Derrick Williams danced his way into the end zone from 1-yard out, capping off a 28-yard scoring drive made possible by a Bryant Chambers fumble recovery. Place kicker Tyler Boatwright added the point after to put ECHS on top 7-0.
Junior running back Neiko Williams, who led all rushers with 76 yards on 13 carries, scored the final two touchdowns of the evening for the home team on runs of 22 and 5 yards. Boatwright was true on both extra points and the Blue Devils went into the locker room at halftime with a 21-0 lead.
Davis said his team’s intense play in the first half is what made the difference in the game.
Citronelle was able to take advantage of a few miscues in the second half and managed two scores, one on a 6-yard pass play midway through the third quarter and a 1-yard touchdown run with 5:19 left to play in the game.
Wildcats head coach Jeremy Sullivan said the Blue Devils’ defense is what prevented them from making a comeback.
The Blue Devils finished the night with 208 yards of total offense.
Derrick Williams completed 8 of 19 passes for 91 yards. Senior receiver Denard Stephens had three catches for 43 yards and senior receiver Ravon Madison had three grabs for 27 yards and had 18 yards on seven carries. Senior running back Douglas Oliver had 23 yards on six carries.
Next Friday, Escambia County hosts St. Paul’s for its senior night in another regional contest. Davis said finishing the game would be key if his team wants to win.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Herbert Barnes Stadium.