Blue Devils Knock Off The Rust Against A Pair Of Larger Schools
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Junior Zae Bradford was the leading rusher in the Ripley scrimmage with seven rushes for 27 yards.
WATER VALLEY – The Water Valley Blue Devils hosted “Meet the Blue Devils” and an MHSAA Jamboree against Class 4A Ripley Tigers and Class 3A East Webster Wolverines on Friday, August 23. Both teams have been prognosticated to make it deep into the playoffs in their respective classes.
While the Water Valley varsity squad came away losing both quarter-length games, the positive is not lost on Second-Year Head Coach Clint Faust.
“I saw a lot of positives that we can build upon next week. I saw us playing hard,” Faust told the team in the postgame huddle. “We need to add smart and coachable to that and we can be the team I know we can be. I challenge each of you to practice at a championship level next week.”
In the Blue Devils’ first contest against The Ripley Tigers, the Blue Devils received the ball and took it past midfield before a fumble. The Tigers took it 49 yards for a Defensive Touchdown. On the ensuing drive the Blue Devils again saw offensive success and drove to the Tigers’ red zone before stalling out on downs.
Tyler Richardson clutches the ball as a Ripley defender closes in for the tackle.
The leading rusher in the Ripley contest was junior Zae Bradford with seven rushes for 27 yards. Sophomore signal caller Tre Adams was three of seven passing for 10 yards. Senior punter Tyler Richardson punted once for 49 yards. Defensively, the Blue Devils were paced by cornerbacks Bradford and Derion Gale with three total tackles. Junior safety Channing Freeman added an interception and two tackles.
In the second frame, East Webster scored on their opening drive thanks to a 42-yard-deep ball. Offensively, the Blue Devils managed to put up 48 yards rushing in just a quarter of action against a stout Wolverine Defense. Bradford again led all rushers with six rushes and 25 yards. Richardson again punted an excellent punt with a 42-yard attempt.
Defensively, the Blue Devils were paced by senior linebacker Reid Burress with five total stops and junior linebacker J.D. Gooch with three total tackles. Senior Defensive Lineman Donalvin Wilson added two total tackles, one for loss, and one hurry.
The Blue Devils will officially kickoff the 2024 MHSAA Campaign on Friday, August 30, at 7 p.m. at Bobby Clark Field against the Class 3A Independence Wildcats.
