By Marla Jones, Sports Editor • marla@southerntorch.com

FYFFE, Ala. — What better way to kick off my third season of “Inside the Huddle” than with a visit with the Fyffe Red Devil football team?

Coach Benefield and his staff are always eager to let me take the reins and help lead the practice. The Red Devils welcomed me, once again, with open arms.

I called out drills, timed runners and even showed the players a thing or two.  I do not want to let the cat out of the bag but there are talks of adding the “Marla Play” to their offense.  Having this opportunity is a dream come true for me.  I am sure that my parents never thought their unathletic child would someday be on the football field praying she would not get ran over. This is where all the kids in elementary school, that picked me last in dodgeball, are regretting their decisions.

I learned a lot from my time with the Red Devils. They taught me many lessons and I taught a few lessons back. I’m not going to call out any names, but let’s just say that if football doesn’t work out for star player Payton Anderson, then he could excel in ballet.

The Fyffe Football team finished the 2017 season with a 12-2 record and were perfect in region play.

The Red Devils practice four days a week, beginning at 5 p.m. because champions aren't made overnight or in a couple of practices. “Stinkin’, rotten, and lazy players” don’t win championships. That’s according to Coach Benefield. I’m not sure if that comment was meant for press, but maybe he won’t make me run hills.

The Red Devils have 8 Seniors this season. The team has four returning offense starters and six returning on defense.

Coach Benefield will return for his twenty-second season as Head Coach for the Red Devils.  His staff includes: Steve Edge - Defensive Line, Tim Cochran - Offensive Line, Brad Thomas - Defensive Backs, Brad Martin and Teddy Whitmire - Junior Varsity and last by not least, Marla Jones-Honorary Coach.

The Fyffe Red Devils will kick off their season with a jamboree on August 24 at Piedmont. Regular season play will begin at home against next door neighbor, the Geraldine Bulldogs on August 31. Fyffe will host Section on September 7 before travelling to face the Collinsville Panthers on September 14. On September 21, Fyffe will return home to host Asbury before facing rival Plainview on the road on September 28. They battle against Sand Rock in Leesburg on October 5. They face Cedar Bluff at home on October 12 before going to NSM for a game on October 19. The Red Devils close their season with a game against Sylvania on November 2 for the first time in many years.

Everyone always asks me after I visit Fyffe, “how does the team look?” I’m not much of a betting woman, but I can tell you one thing: I will never bet against the Fyffe Red Devils. My prediction for the Red Devils this season will be that they will be playing in the State Championship once again. They have the motivation and determination to bring home another blue trophy. Go Big Red!