Blue Devils Complete Successful Spring Football Training

By Editor | May 14, 2024 |

The Blue Devil coaches are (from left) A.J. Bratton, Rusty Smith, head coach Clint Faust, Richard Russo and Bryant Mix.

WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Blue Devils Football Team participated in MHSAA Spring Training during the months of April and May. The tryout period allows for 14 practices and a spring game or jamboree.

Spring training culminated with the Blue Devils hosting former Class 3A Region foe, the Booneville Blue Devils. The visiting Blue Devils came away with the victory over the homestanding Water Valley version of the Blue Devils 20 to 16, however a lot of positives came from the night and the entire spring session.

“I saw quite a few positives tonight and over the past few weeks,” reported head coach Clint Faust, who will be entering his second season leading the Blue Devils. Some people stepped up and showed that they are ready to contribute either as a starter or as a primary backup when fall camp arrives. The one thing I want us to work on is controlled aggression,” Faust added during the post-game huddle. “You must play this game fast, physical, and aggressive, but not at the expense of being out of control or losing composure. I did love the way we battled until the very end, that is Water Valley Blue Devil Football.”

Offensive Coordinator Coach Rusty Smith also reported on a lot of positives during the scrimmage and over the course of the spring.

“I saw a lot of things we must get cleaned up. I like the way some of our younger skill guys showed that they are ready for the Friday night lights,” Smith said.

As far as the game goes, Water Valley took the opening kickoff and proceeded to matriculate down the field in over a 60-yard drive before finally turning the ball over on downs in the Booneville Red Zone.

Booneville wasted little time as their running back took the opening run and rushed it 81-yards for the first score of the game. The point-after attempt failed. The two teams battled back and forth for much of the first half. Booneville again was threatening when Water Valley forced a fourth down attempt on the 22-yard line. However, a coverage misstep allowed Booneville to score on a passing strike to make it 13 to 0 at the half.

The third quarter was all Water Valley highlighted by the running of Drake Mabary and Robert Swanner. The pair combined for 63 rushing yards, a touchdown, and a two-point conversion. The Blue Devils would add a Tre Adams 30-yard rushing touchdown in the final frame and an Adams to Shaddai Freeman two-point conversion Pass before time ultimately ran out.

Water Valley finished with 170 rushing yards, 46 passing yards, for a total of 216 yards while Booneville had 153 rushing yards and 31 passing yards for a total of 184 yards. Zae Bradford paced Water Valley with 84 all-purpose yards on offense. Derion Gale racked up 47 receiving yards to lead all receivers. Defensively, Water Valley was led by Donalvin Wilson with five total tackles, Nic Rubio and J.D. Gooch added three stops each as well.

“I am excited about this team and this spring,” Defensive Coordinator Coach Richard Russo reported. “Tonight, we got to play a bunch of guys who had very little Friday night experience. Now when we say why it’s important to take a six-inch power step, or lock out your arms, or why you can’t take a false step in this coverage, they see why and can learn from this. We had almost double-digit guys out due to various reasons, so a lot of kids got some quality reps all spring and tonight. That excites me.”

Defensive Line Coach Bryant Mix said of his always fierce Defensive Line, “We are not where we need to be, but I promise I will get them there.”

The Blue Devils will now turn their attention to final exams. Summer workouts and 7-on-7 passing competitions begin the first week of June. Water Valley will host both the East Webster Wolverines and the Ripley Tigers in a fall jamboree on Friday, August 23 at Bobby Clark Field.

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