Red Devil head coach Larry Campbell always worries about Homecoming festivities being a distraction to his team. Yet, his team always manages to win the big game.
Friday night was certainly no exception, as our Devils jumped out to a 21-point first quarter lead and never looked back. This year marks the 36th straight Homecoming win for our Devils.
The win, the 412th of Campbell's career, ties "Coach" with G.A. Moore of Texas. Coach Moore coached from 1962 through 2004 with a record of 412-83-9 and a winning percentage of 82.639. Campbell's winning percentage is currently 85.258, in his 36th season.
The only two high school football coaches with more wins are John McKissick (554-129-13 in 56 seasons at Summerville SC) and John T. Curtis (451-48-6 in 39 seasons at John Curtis School in Louisiana). Both are active and in their respective playoffs this year.
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After the Devil Defense forced a punt to end GMC's initial possession, our Devils quickly drove half the field to paydirt. A. G. Middlebrooks rushed in from the 6 for the points at 7:19 left in the first half.
After another Bulldog punt, Jafabian Green rushed for 20 and the 5 years. QB Austin Goldman hit Jamareon Green for 22 yards to the GMC 20. Middlebrooks rolled in from there with 3:28 left. Vance Tarver's 2nd PAT kick gave the Devils a 14-0 lead.
Jamareon Green intercepted GMC's pass on its next play and scampered 22 yards to the endzone with 3:04 left.
After another punt, our Devils started playing substitutes as the second quarter began. That drive stymied with our Devils punting to the GMC 27. The Bulldogs tried another pass, this time with DeChane Willis intercepting at the 40 and returning the pigskin to paydirt with 10:13 remaining in the 2nd quarter. The Devils led 27-0 at intermission.
Jatoyaus Jones returned the second half kickoff 61 yards to the GMC 17. Middlebrooks scored from there for his third TD of the game and 14th of the second. Middlebrooks ended the regular season with 930 yards rushing on 99 carries, 167 yards receiving on 12 catches, and 60 yards passing on 2 throws. Not bad for a sophomore.
In the fourth quarter Josh Sims scored from 7 yards out and from 3 yards out to close out the scoring. The 4th quarter was played under GHSA mercy rules.