By Staff
Tim Sharp, Enquirer Correspondent
ADDISON — The Falkville Blue Devils wrapped up their 2006 campaign Friday night, falling to the Addison Bulldogs 28-15 in the first round of the 2A state playoffs.
Things looked bleak early on for the Devils (5-6). The Bulldogs (10-1) returned the opening kickoff 33 yards to start the game. On the first play from scrimmage, Blake Turner dashed 57 yards around right end for a touchdown. The extra point was blocked and Addison had a six-point lead 22 seconds into the game.
Falkville recovered and forced a stalemate for the remainder of the quarter. Addison punted twice and failed to convert on a fourth-and-long on their next three drives. Falkville failed to move the ball on four drives of its own.
Midway through the second quarter, Addison took over deep in Falkville territory. Moving 82 yards in eight plays, the Bulldogs capped their drive with an 8-yard run by Andrew Privett. The two-point conversion was successful, and Addison led 14-0 with 4:40 left in the half.
Falkville was forced to punt on its next drive. Aided by a roughing penalty, Addison moved 60 yards in eight plays down to the Devil 20. On fourth-and-10, Jake Gilliland threw an interception to Jace Wilemon in the end zone. Wilemon raced 70 yards up the sideline before the Bulldogs could bring him down. With nine seconds remaining in the half, Steven Lindsey received a pass from Jonathon McNatt, evaded numerous defenders, and dove into the end zone for a touchdown with no time left on the clock. Nathan Riggins kicked the extra point, and Addison took a 14-7 lead into the locker-room.
Late in the third quarter, Addison extended their lead when Turner rushed from 33 yards out for his second touchdown of the night. The extra point was good, and the Bulldogs led 21-7.
After holding the Devils without a first down, Addison took possession for its final scoring drive of the night. In three plays they moved 62 yards. Tanner scored his third touchdown of the night on a 54-yard scamper. The extra point was good, and Addison led 28-7.
Falkville responded with their longest drive of the night. McNatt was 4-of-6 passing for 47 yards, and scrambled twice for 16 yards and a touchdown, as the Devils moved 65 yards in 14 plays to pull to within two scores of the Bulldogs with 3:30 left to play.
Addison recovered the ensuing onside kick. Falkville held the Bulldogs without a first down but was intercepted on the second play of their possession. The Bulldogs ran the remainder of time off the clock and secured the win.
Turner led Addison with 164 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Gilliland was 4-of-7 passing for 116 yards. McNatt was the leading rusher for the Devils with 41 yards on 13 carries. He was also 12-for-31 passing for 132 yards and a touchdown.
Steven Lindsey had six receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown
Addison moves on to host Woodland in the second round of the 2A state playoffs.