By Anthony Richards

The Clanton Advertiser

It was a glorious homecoming for Maplesville, as the Red Devils defeated Ellwood Christian 70-6 in a region game on Oct. 5.

The Red Devils (5-1, 3-1) scored early and often against Ellwood Christian and opened up a 42-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

“I had been saying all week how it was my last homecoming,” Maplesville senior Timothy Bradley said. “To go out here and win like that really feels good.”

Maplesville’s offense ran three less plays than Ellwood Christian and outgained the Eagles by 278 total yards.

It was tough sledding throughout the contest for the Ellwood Christian offense, which finished the night with minus-17 yards.

“We started off a little slow, but it’s key to keep our foot on the pedal once we get going,” Bradley said. “If we can do that from here on out, it will be good.”

Time of possession was not a factor in the game, as the majority of Maplesville’s scores were the results of one- or two- play drives.

Ryan Morrow put the first points on the board for the Red Devils with a 38-yard touchdown run.

“He’s [Morrow] been a part of the [Maplesville] family, but now he’s starting to make a name for himself,” Bradley said. “We’re proud of him.”

Starting quarterback Jackson Abbott followed it up with 5-yard slant to Jakavian Mckenzie to extend the lead to 14-0.

Ellwood Christian scored its lone touchdown of the night on an 88-yard kickoff return to cut the lead to 14-6 midway through the first quarter.

However, Maplesville answered with a kickoff return score of its own with a 70-yarder by Christin Brown.

It was the first of two kickoff return touchdowns on the night for the Red Devils, who never looked back following the score.

Latrell Wilson, Brady Harrison, Morrow, Caleb Hobbs and Abbott each scored rushing touchdowns in the game. Wilson also intercepted a pass on defense.

“It’s all about execution and bettering yourself for the next opponent,” Bradley said.

Next up for Maplesville is an anticipated matchup on the road against rival Isabella.