By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
Escambia County High’s defensive unit turned in a stellar effort last Friday (October 4) against Orange Beach’s Makos, but the ECHS offense suffered five turnovers and was held to 17 net yards in a 38-6 Class 4A, Region 1 setback that ended any hopes the Blue Devils might have had of postseason play.
ECHS played tough in the first half, especially the defense. LeBron Willis scored the team’s only points on a 70-yard interception return, and the Atmore squad trailed by only a 14-6 margin at halftime. But the turnovers, including an interception that was returned for a touchdown and a fumble that gave the home team the ball within three yards of the goal, allowed the Makos to take control.
Orange Beach took advantage of the mistakes, adding 7 points in the third quarter, then putting 17 more on the scoreboard with a field goal and two touchdowns in the final period. The last two scores came a minute apart, within the game’s final 3:00, according to a MaxPreps game recap.
Playing on a wet field in Mobile, before a crowd estimated by score trackers of “at least 1,000,” the Blue Devils managed just one first down. According to statistics posted by Orange Beach coaches, the Makos defense allowed only 9 yards passing and 8 rushing yards. ECHS was unable to convert any of the 7 third-down situations it faced.
A tired defense finally gave in, allowing the two short touchdowns late in the game but holding the high-powered Orange Beach offense to just 307 total yards (227 on the ground). Harris said his defensive linemen were the key to the effort.
“The entire defensive line — Keon Hill, Gabe Hooks, Jaylen Taylor and Mirio Crenshaw — played really well,” he said.
Harris said his players will continue to work hard and will eventually get to a point where they can match up with the region’s strongest teams.
With the loss, the Blue Devils are now 2-5 overall, 0-4 in region competition. The Makos are 5-2 overall, 3-0 in region play, and will host Jackson, the state’s top-ranked 4A team, this week in a contest that will more than likely determine the region’s top playoff seed.