Blue Devils Will Compete For State Title
The Blue Devils claimed the 3A North Half Championship game with an impressive 43-28 victory over the North Panola Cougars Friday night. The team will travel to Hattiesburg for a Friday morning kickoff against Seminary with the 3A Championship on the line. – Photos by Leslie Brooks
By David Howell
Editor
WATER VALLEY – After notching 13 wins and a record-breaking 544 points this season, the Water Valley Blue Devils are a game away from claiming a state championship for the first time since 1990.
Kickoff for the big game is set for 11 a.m. on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi as the Blue Devils face the Seminary Bulldogs. The school will be closed and turnout from the loyal fan base is expected to be monumental as the teams clash for the first time in history with the 3A State Championship on the line.
For Coach Brad Embry, the days leading up to the big game will be no different for his team as they prepare for the finale. Embry said the game plan throughout the entire season has been to work hard every day to improve.
“I think what we have done well is to make a concerted effort to try and get a little better every day,” Embry explained, adding that the motto on a field house sign is “Get Better Today.”
“We are going to practice normal on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and start our trip south Thursday morning,” Embry continued. A final practice is scheduled Thursday morning on the field at Madison Central at 11 a.m., the same time as the big game Friday morning.
“I don’t say a lot, but I did tell the guys to fight distraction. If you get caught up in this other stuff we are deviating from the plan, we have to stay on this course,” Embry added.
Staying the course also means hard work and dedication, the traits that have made the difference this year.
“The highlight for me is to see the kids realize hard work and doing things right is rewarding. Sometimes people lose sight of that, they want something for nothing. I told the guys they have earned this, they didn’t get lucky,” Embry said about the 13-2 season that includes nine blowout wins.
“These kids are good kids, they come to school, go to practice and do what they are supposed to do, they are a special group,” the coach continued. “They are humble and have a great work ethic.”
Embry also credited strong support from the community as a catalyst for the success of the program every year.
“That is one of the reasons I came here, because football is important here,” the 21-year coaching veteran noted. “We have definitely had highs and lows, but we have always had great support, this year it has been magnified through this success,” Embry continued.
The coach also explained that success itself can be a challenge.
“To win and go back in practice and get better the next week, that has been the most impressive thing I have seen,” Embry added. “Our football players have set a good example.”
