ATMORE, Ala. — It has been 16 years since the Escambia County Blue Devils last took the field in a playoff game. Friday night, the wait ends.
In just his second season, head coach Tommie Lewis Jr. has led the Blue Devils to a 6-4 record and the No. 4 seed in Class 3A, Region 1. Their reward is a road trip to undefeated Cleburne County (10-0) in the first round.
“This moment is very special to myself, my players, coaching staff and this community because it obviously hasn’t been done in a while,” Lewis said. “Everyone is very excited and just taking it all in that history has been made and ECHS football is back on the map.”
Escambia County’s last playoff appearance came Nov. 19, 2010, when the Blue Devils lost to Bibb County 35-13 in the third round of the Class 4A playoffs.
Building the foundation
Lewis said the turnaround started long before the season.
“It has taken a lot of hard work, dedication, long nights and days spending all summer building a foundation for the tough region that we have played in this season,” he said.
What sets this group apart, he said, is its willingness to buy in and hold one another accountable.
“They bought into the process and said, ‘Coach, we’re willing to do whatever it takes to be playing football in November,'” Lewis said. “They’ve put in the work all summer. They do a great job of policing each other and making sure everybody is doing what they’re supposed to be doing, even when Coach is not watching.”
Young talent leading the way
Underclassmen have played big roles. Sophomore quarterback Ty’Javion Hudson has emerged as a dual threat, accounting for 1,753 yards of offense and 15 touchdowns. He has thrown for 1,192 yards and run for 561.
On defense, sophomore lineman Brian Knott has 54 total tackles, including 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks.
History also came early. In the season opener against Elberta, Yadarius McNeal found the end zone five times, setting a school record for touchdowns in a single game.
A season of milestones
In Week 7, the Blue Devils snapped a 60-year drought against Flomaton, beating the Hurricanes 19-7 for their first win in the series since 1966. In Week 10, they edged Opp 21-20.
The challenge ahead
Lewis knows his team will have to play at a high level against the Tigers.
“Cleburne County is an all-around good football team,” he said. “You can’t make many mistakes because they’ll capitalize on them. They have some great players, and I believe they’re 10-0 for a reason.”
He is not backing down, though.
“We’re gonna come out and play Blue Devil football and let the chips fall where they may,” he said. “It’s gonna take us just coming out, executing on all cylinders. We match up with them very well, and I believe if we come out and start fast, we have a chance to win.”
