WATER VALLEY — The Blue Devils’ game didn’t quite go like head coach Brad Embry drew it up, but in the end a win is a win. After scoring on the first possession of overtime, but failing to convert the ensuing extra point, the Blue Devils had to hold on for dear life to secure a 13-7 victory over Bruce at Bobby Clark Field.

HOW IT HAPPENED: Senior Eric Buckley converted Water Valley’s first possession of overtime, converting a third-and-goal situation by scoring on a 4-yard run around the left side. On the following extra point attempt, freshman Cole Camp bobbled the snap and the Blue Devils were unable to convert the kick, taking a 13-7 lead.

Starting at Water Valley’s 10-yard line (Miss. HS overtime is like the college version, except each team begins its possession on the 10), Shaq Bush gained 2 yards on his first rush attempt. On second down, Bush was hit for a loss by a gang of Blue Devils (led by junior C.J. Jackson). Stretching for extra yardage to try and get back to the line of scrimmage, Bush lost control of the ball and WVHS senior J.D. Fondon recovered the loose ball. Saying pandemonium ensued wouldn’t do the celebration justice. Blue Devils overflowed onto the field, and probably with good reason. With Bruce being a former region foe, it was a big win.

Perhaps the play of the game was made by junior Chris Conard. During the third quarter freshman QB E.J. Bounds was intercepted by Bush (on a ball that got batted around) on the Bruce 10. Bush proceeded to dodge wanna-be tacklers all the way down the Trojans’ sideline and would of wound up in the end zone if it had not been for Conard, who came all the over from the other side of the field to bring down Bush at WVHS’ 29-yard line. After surrendering a first down two plays later, the WVHS defense tightened up and the Trojan drive stalled at the Blue Devils’ 9-yard line when Bush was stopped one yard short of a first down.

Following the game Embry told his team, “you win football games by fighting and scrapping and we did that… it don’t matter how you get it done on Friday night.”

SCORING SUMMARY: WVHS (1-0 overall) struck first courtesy of a 12-yard TD pass from Bounds to junior Adam Langham with 9 seconds remaining in the first quarter. The drive would have stalled in Water Valley territory, but on fourth-and-1 on their 39-yard line, the Blue Devils direct snapped the ball to Torrey Horton. The senior, who was in the upback position, who raced virtually untouched for 30 yards. When asked about the fake after the game, Embry took a big sigh of relief and grinned from ear to ear. It was a big gamble on the first possession of the season, but it paid off in the end.

With 7:04 remaining in the first half Bruce retaliated when Demetrius Evans scored on a 3-yard run.

INITIAL THOUGHTS: First off, Bruce is better than its 2-9 record from a year ago. Bush, just a sophomore, is a game changer for the Trojans, especially when they use him as the quarterback out of the wildcat formation. When passing the ball wasn’t working, Bruce worked out of the wildcat and that’s when it seemed like Bush did the bulk of his damage…

…Bounds is a freshman. While Bounds did a good job for the most part managing the offense, he also showed his age several times. Towards the end of the first half Bounds attempted to call a timeout when WVHS had none remaining. Another time Bounds held on to the ball too long waiting for a play to develop and instead of sailing it into the stands he was hit for a 9-yard loss. Miscues and trying to do too much is to be expected from a freshman, so no real reason to worry. When the Blue Devils were able to roll Bounds out, he looked good. He also could have had a few more yards through the air had it not been for two drops. Bounds also handled the kickoff duty and did a good job…

…Jackson is an emotional leader on this team. While Fondon is the leader of the affectionately called Wrecking Crew, it was Jackson doing most of the shouting after the game. The junior linebacker even got a little emotional after the game talking about the Blue Devils’ big win and had a hard time putting putting the victory into words…

…The Blue Devils have a lot of depth at running back. Over the course of the game, Buckley, Horton, Jackson, sophomore Quinterrio Bailey, junior Kenon Kirkwood and senior Zenty Allen all had carries. Bounds also racked up a few yards on bootlegs and draws…

RANDOM SIDE NOTE: Who says folks don’t know hockey in Mississippi? Wearing my 17-year-old Dallas Stars hat (see right) on the sidelines tonight, I actually had someone come up to me and strike up a hockey conversation. He went on to say that football was the SECOND BEST sport to watch live…second to, yes, HOCKEY. Said hockey fan will remain nameless due to feared repercussions stemming from his comment that hockey is indeed better than football. With the exception of the way the game ended, this was the biggest shock of the night, a hockey fan in The Valley.

Next up for the Blue Devils is a trip to rival Coffeeville. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (August 20, 2010)