Falkville High School’s Blue Devils lost another starter to injury and sustained their fifth loss in the row to region foe Westminster Christian Academy 43-7 at Burl Vest Stadium Friday night.

The loss left the Blue Devils at 0-5 on the season while the visiting Wildcats jumped to 4-1.

Tight end Canaan Smith twisted a knee while catching a pass late in the final quarter and had to be helped off the playing field. He joined three injured teammates, all of whom watched the game from the sideline while recuperating from leg injuries.

“I thought our kids fought harder tonight than they have all year,” said Falkville head coach Brad Vest, “but it just wasn’t enough against a team with good athletes and sound coaching.

“We’re still a young team and injuries have hurt us,” he added. “But I’m proud of them for the effort they’re giving. We have half a season left and if they’ll continue to practice hard and play hard we’ll be alright.”

The Blue Devils struggled in their efforts to move the ball on the ground but they had good success with their passing game. Quarterback Tyler completed 10 of 18 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown.

A 45-yard toss from Anders to Hunter Woodall accounted for the Blue Devils’ only touchdown. It came with 11:32 left in the final quarter, capping a 48-yard drive in eight plays. Johnny Tompkins booted the extra point to make the score 40-7.

The Blue Devils were threatening to score again with possession on Westminster’s 10-yard line when the game ended.

The Wildcats moves the ball effectively on the ground, rushing for 337 yards and four touchdowns.

They grabbed a 7-0 lead with 8:42 left in the first period on an 8-yard run by Michael McFadden and an extra point conversion by David Teitge. Jacob Parker added a touchdown on 1-yard run with 1:24 left in the same period and Teitge added the extra point to make the score 14-0.

The Wildcats also scored twice in the second period and held a 27-0 advantage at halftime. A 23-yard run by McFadden and an extra point conversion by Teitge gave the visitors a 21-0 lead with 5:55 left in the first half and a 70-yard pass from Parker to McFadden raised the lead to 27-0.

The Wildcats opened the second half by scoring on 64-yard run by McFadden to go up 34-0.

They scored again with 2:25 left in the same period on a 2-yard run by Matthew to make the score 40-0.

Jordan Lake tacked on a 24-yard field goal with 3:33 left in the game to make the score 43-7.

The Blue Devils will travel to Cold Springs for another region game Friday night.