By Staff
Tim Sharp, Enquirer Correspondent
The Falkville Blue Devils struck early and often before cruising to a 33-12 homecoming win over the Victory Christian Lions Friday night. Senior Caylor Sewell was crowned Homecoming Queen, and the crowd was treated to an offensive clinic as their Devils put 21 points on the board in the first six plays from scrimmage.
Cody Sewell, twin brother of Caylor, returned the opening kick 50 yards into Lion territory to begin the game. Despite the strong start, the Devils were unable to gain a first down and were forced to punt. The Falkville defense held Victory Christian to zero yards on their opening possession and regained possession in Lion territory after a punt. On the first play from scrimmage, sophomore Dustin Jump took an option pitch around right end and streaked 42 yards up the sideline for the Devils’ first touchdown. Cody Sewell added the extra point and Falkville had a 7-0 lead.
Victory Christian failed to gain on its next possession and punted to the Devils. Sophomore Shane Ellis took the handoff on the first play and weaved his way for 70 yards and Falkville’s second touchdown. Sewell’s extra point was good and the Devils had a 14 point lead.
The Lions were again held without a first down. After a punt, Falkville struck on its first play from scrimmage for the third straight time. Quarterback Jonathon McNatt hit Jace Wilemon in the back of the end zone from 25 yards out for the Devils’ third touchdown of the quarter.
Falkville recovered a Victory Christian fumble on the first play of the ensuing drive. Three plays later, Dustin Jump punched it in from four yards out for his second touchdown of the night.
Neither team was able to score on two possessions each before halftime. The Devils took a 27-0 lead into the locker room.
The Lion’s first two drives of the second half ended in interceptions by Dustin Jump and Jace Wilemon. After the second interception, Falkville took over in Victory Christian territory. Moving 47 yards in six plays, the drive was capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass from McNatt to junior Steven Lindsey.
The Lions took the ball and scored in only six plays on their subsequent possession. Quarterback Phillip Champion hit Matthew Burns on a 45-yard touchdown pass. The extra point failed and the Lions trailed 33-6.
Turnovers and penalties prevented either team from scoring again until late in the fourth quarter. Working against Falkville’s reserves, Victory Christian completed 4-of-5 passes and gained three first downs in a 10-play, 69-yard drive that ended when Champion connected with Matthew Burns on an 18-yard touchdown strike as time expired.
Dustin Jump led the Devils with 100 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. He added an interception and three tackles on defense and caused a fumble. Jonathon McNatt completed 8-of-11 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns. Steven Lindsey had six catches for 86 yards and a touchdown.
Falkville is 3-2 in class 2A Region 5. They face region foe Vincent on the road this week.