The Hunted: Blue Devils Face Eupora In Battle of Unbeatens

Zae Bradford (right) rushed for 396 on 30 carries and scored two touchdowns in last year’s win over Eupora.

The Blue Devils will be back on the field Thursday night (Sept. 18), a day early, as they host Eupora at Bobby Clark Field in an early season test. Both teams enter the Thursday night showdown at 3–0, and both know this one carries weight well beyond September.

The Eagles, coached by Water Valley native Brad Gray, have stormed through their first three games, averaging 41 points per outing while giving up just 12. Their most recent performance was a 44–14 thumping of Ethel, a reminder that Eupora has both firepower and a defense capable of locking teams down.
Water Valley has been equally impressive under Head Coach Clint Faust, averaging 34 points a night while also surrendering just 12. And the Devils know exactly what’s at stake. A year ago, their season turned on a trip to Eupora, where they rallied from three scores down to stun the Eagles 48–46 on a last-second field goal from Gabe Butler.
“Last year’s win against Eupora was one of the biggest comebacks I’ve ever been a part of,” Faust said. “We’re not hunting anymore – we’re the hunted. No doubt.”

And if anyone needs proof of how dangerous Water Valley can be, just look back to last Friday. The Railroad Classic returned for the first time since 2018, and after Coffeeville stunned the crowd with an 85-yard touchdown to strike first, the Blue Devils slammed the door. Adams pounded in three rushing scores, Bradford ripped off two long touchdown runs, and the defense forced three turnovers in a 55–6 rout.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Bobby Clark Field and only one team will stay perfect on the season.

For a full report from the Railroad Classic win, read the game story:     https://www.yalnews.com/2025/09/17/blue-devils-dominate-railroad-classic-set-for-thursday-showdown-with-eupora/