By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Playoff hopes continue to fade for Escambia County after an 8-0 loss to Williamson on Monday, October 12 in Class 4A, Region 1 action.
In a defensive battle, the Lions and Blue Devils duked it out the entire game until a late fourth-quarter interception by Williamson paved the way for Ryan Kidd’s 8-yard dash into the end zone with just over two minutes left to play. Quarterback Daniel Miller gained the two-point conversion and sealed the deal for Williamson.
According to ECHS head coach Scott Mason, missed opportunities and mistakes contributed to the setback.
One of those missed opportunities came late in the first half as the Blue Devils pushed into the red zone with a series of strong runs from Jacobey James. Quarterback Jeremiah George had his helmet ripped off and was required to sit for a down, and Mason was forced to enter another player and attempt a pass or throw the ball away if no one was open. That would have given kicker Aaron Calva a field goal opportunity in the final 10 seconds of the half, but ECHS was unable to snap the ball before the clock ran out.
With the loss, ECHS fell to 2-5 overall, 1-3 in region play. In order to keep its slim playoff hopes alive, ECHS must beat its next two region opponents, W.S. Neal and Jackson. Also, Jackson will have to lose to Mobile Christian and Williamson must beat Vigor. The Blue Devils visit Neal this Friday.
News photo by Josh Frye