By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
It is said that hindsight is 20-20. But Escambia County High football coach Vincent Harris feels now that foresight could have made the difference in his team’s 30-26, season-opening loss to Alabama Christian Academy last Friday, August 23.
“I should have taken the safety,” Harris said of a Blue Devils punt attempt from the shadow of their own goalposts that was blocked, giving ACA an easy score that completed a final-period comeback from a 20-8 deficit and gave the Eagles control of the game. “Take away that touchdown, and we win, 26-23.”
The big play, a blocked punt that an ACA player fell on in the end zone, put the home team in front by a 23-20 margin with just under 9 minutes to play.
The game-changer was set up on the kickoff following Alabama Christian’s second touchdown, when a young ECHS player thought the ball had gone into the end zone. By the time he realized it was still in play, he was swarmed by the kick coverage team at the ECHS 1-yard line.
The Blue Devils scored on the first play of the fourth period for a 20-8 lead and seemed to have the game locked up. But the Eagles scored three times in the final period to wipe out the lead. ECHS regained the advantage at 26-23, but a 51-yard TD pass, which came with less than 5 minutes to play, provided the difference.
Overall, Harris was pleased with his youth-laden squad, which included six players — most of whom played both ways — who were making their first varsity start.
“They were a little flat at the beginning, but they picked it up,” he said. “I’m proud of the effort. They kept playing really hard, and we were a couple of plays away from winning the game.”
Tai Henderson had a big night for ECHS. The 6-3, 190-pound running back picked up 190 yards on 22 carries, including a touchdown, to account for most of the team’s 250-yard rushing output.
“Tai is a really good kid,” Harris said of the senior, who has a scholarship offer from Alabama State. “He plays extra hard on offense and defense, and he runs extremely well. What I’m most proud of, though, is that he’s a leader.”
DeAndre Hooks scored on a 2-yard run, and Cali McCants hit paydirt with a 35-yard scamper to further accent the ECHS rushing game, while Marrion Hooks hauled in a TD pass from Jamarion Robinson, who threw for 128 yards.
Harris said his offensive line, with three first-time starters, did a good job of paving the way for the runners and protecting the passer. The unit, with six players rotating in and out, included three-year veterans Keon Hill and LeBron Willis, along with newcomers Braylen Palmer, Trayquan Hartley, Lazavion McKenzie and Troy Harris.
“Our O-line played pretty well,” the Blue Devils coach said. “They did a heck of a job in some places; it’s just a matter of can we put it together?”
No team or individual stats were posted to the school’s MaxPreps page by late Monday, but Harris cited Marrion Hooks, De’Andre Hooks and Cleo Bolar as having “played really well” on defense.
The Blue Devils will see their first 2024 home action this Friday, August 30, when neighboring Monroe County comes to Herbert Barnes Field for what Harris is billing as “The Battle of the Counties.” The Tigers played well last week before falling to Florala by a 31-25 margin.
“It should be a good game,” he said, noting that admission will be $10 per person, with free parking.
On a closing note, Harris said he was pleased to see such a nice crowd in Montgomery for last week’s contest.
“I want to thank Atmore for showing up for these kids,” he said. “The stands were full on our side, with people standing along the fence, and Montgomery is a two-hour ride from Atmore. It was great to see the support.”