The Blue Devils left Legion Field in Jackson with their heads high and smiles on their faces after defeating the Aggies 22-21 in the second round of the playoffs.

Escambia County comes in riding a four-game winning with a wave of momentum and support behind them after they crushed Jackson’s hopes of a state championship.

The momentum coming out of that win will be important in what is the biggest game at Herbert Barnes Stadium since the 1983 state championship.

Looking at the game, it will be a battle up front with offensive and defensive lines of both teams sure to go to war Friday night.

The defense of the Blue Devils will face a tough test especially for the defensive line as the Bibb County Choctaws have two linemen who weigh more than 300 pounds.

One thing noted by Bibb County head coach Mike Battles is the strength that ECHS displays up front as well as the speed that they have behind them.

That strength and speed was on display last Friday as Jackson could not handle the trio of Tyler Nero, Montez Curry and Dalvin Craft.

Nor could they get away from Tocorian Brown, Marshall Rolin or Damien Brown.

Defense will be huge for ECHS when they line up against the Choctaws.

Offensively, the Blue Devils will look to continue their success of moving the ball and the chains.

Controlling the tempo of the game will be vital to coming up with a win and advancing to the semifinals of the AHSAA playoffs.

ECHS has moved to the next level of competition and proved they belong there.

A win this week should help them cement themselves as more than a dark horse for the state championship, but a true contender to make it to Auburn.

They are on a roll and playing at a high level on both sides of the ball and they have the confidence and talent to keep the wins coming.

A win will set them up with a berth in the semifinals which could possibly be a rematch against Thomasville.

The Blue Devils need support this weekend and they should have it after the crowd that made the trip to Jackson last week.

Fans need to show up at Herbert Barnes Stadium dressed in blue as the team is calling for a “Code Blue.”

Come out and support the Blue Devils as they fight for a chance to play another week of football.

Guys you have the cities attention and a win this week will earn even more attention.

It’s attention that you deserve because you have played lights out.

Keep it up Blue Devils..

Chandler Myers is sports editor of the Atmore Advance. He can be reached at 368-2123 or by e-mail at sports@atmoreadvance.com