By JOSH FRYE
News Sportswriter
Escambia County High’s Blue Devils couldn’t get untracked and were shut out by Bayside Academy in last Friday’s season opener, 26-0.
The visiting Admirals came out swinging, scoring on a 51-yard aerial strike during the opening minutes of the contest.
Just two minutes later, Bayside struck gold again after intercepting a pass and making an offensive push into the end zone for a 13-0 lead.
At the 11:37 mark of the second quarter, the Admirals extended their lead to 19-0 by way of a 33-yard passing strike.
ECHS struggled all night and was unable to generate any scoring opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.
With two minutes left before halftime, a Bayside runner broke free on a 45-yard scamper, setting the Admirals up for the night’s final points, a last-minute touchdown before the half.
Anthony McCants went 7 for 11 during the game. ECHS center Tomorrion Knight helped create offensive opportunities for the Blue Devils, but all attempts to find daylight downfield failed.
According to ECHS head coach Scott Mason, ECHS hopes to clear out some minor mistakes that a young team often makes and make some adjustments as the Blue Devils prepare to host the Tigers of T.R. Miller this Friday.
“We are so young, and COVID-19 has not helped matters,” Mason said. “It is going to take a while for us to grasp, but we will improve as the season goes on. We are still excited and we are looking forward to bouncing back. We have to execute this week against a tough team and eliminate bone-headed mistakes.”