By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Tai Henderson broke a long run for a third-period touchdown, and Ronald Jackson III bolted in from 3 yards out in the fourth period, as Escambia County High’s Blue Devils snapped a three-game losing streak with a 14-0 win over Northview (Fla.) last Friday, September 27.
ECHS Coach Vincent Harris said the difference came when his offense finally got untracked after the neighboring interstate rivals had fought to a scoreless draw in the first half.
“We started to click on offense in the second half, move the ball a little,” he said. “That was the main thing.”
Meanwhile, the Blue Devils defense kept up its relentless attack in the second half. Dallas Owens, who picked off a pass, and Devin Riley led a well-rounded defensive effort that also resulted in two forced fumbles. According to stats posted online by Northview, the Chiefs managed just 6 yards passing and 113 rushing.
“Dallas and Devin both did a really good job,” Harris said. “In fact, the whole defense did a good job.”
The win over Northview came after three successive setbacks, each to a team that was ranked among the state’s top 10 Class 4A schools, including top-ranked Jackson.
“Give God all the glory,” Harris said of the win. “It feels really good to get a win. Anytime you can get a win, it’s a good day.”
ECHS improved its season mark to 2-4 as the team prepares for the first of a crucial three-game series of region encounters, a road trip to Orange Beach this Friday, October 4. The Makos (4-2 overall, 2-0 in Region 1 play) have won three games in a row.
“It’s always tough to go on the road, no matter who you play,” Harris said.
After this week, ECHS travels to play W.S. Neal on October 11, then hosts Satsuma the following week. The Blue Devils, currently 0-3 in region competition, need to sweep the three contests if they are to claim one of the region’s four playoff spots.
The regular season will end October 25, when ECHS hosts Hillcrest-Evergreen in a non-region encounter.