Story by Shannon Allen Shannon@southerntorch.com

FYFFE — The fifth-ranked Fyffe Red Devils celebrated their 2024 senior night Friday, Oct. 25, by clinching a ninth consecutive region championship.

Senior running back Logan Anderson, who is one of the greatest players in school and DeKalb County history, rushed 26 times for 260 yards and five touchdowns to power the Red Devils (7-2, 7-0) to a 42-7 whipping of No. 8 Geraldine in the top-10 Class 3A, Region 8 showdown on Long/Ridgeway Field at Paul Benefield Stadium.

Fyffe’s defense also delivered an impressive performance, as it kept the high-scoring Bulldogs’ offense off the board. Geraldine (7-2, 5-2) rolled up 69 points in a victory over Westminster Christian last week and entered the game averaging 47.9 points per night.

Geraldine’s only touchdown came on Jordon Lankford’s 68-yard fumble return at the 10:54 mark of the third quarter, which trimmed Fyffe’s lead to 21-7.

The Red Devils regained the momentum on the next play, as Anderson burst through a hole and raced 60 yards to the end zone with 10:43 left in the quarter.

Hunter Lathum’s fumble recovery at Geraldine’s 47-yard line set up Anderson’s final TD run, a tackle-breaking 21-yard carry that included a stiff arm. Jesse Martin’s extra point made it 35-7 with 6:59 remaining in the third.

Jon Beck Wade’s 54-yard punt pinned Fyffe on its 4-yard line late in the third, but Anderson broke free for a 54-yard gain to Geraldine’s 34. On the next play, Ryder Gipson took a handoff 34 yards to the end zone with 1:38 on the clock.

Gipson finished with six carries for 101 yards.

Anderson staked Fyffe to a 21-0 halftime advantage with a trio of touchdowns.

He capped the Red Devils’ initial drive of the night with a 12-yard run while tightroping the sideline into the end zone. Martin kicked it to 7-0 with 3:55 to go in the opening quarter.

In the second period, Anderson collected TD runs of 17 yards and 1 yard. The 1-yarder came with 22.7 seconds left in the first half.

Fyffe outgained the Bulldogs 388-89 and collected 16 first downs to Geraldine’s five.

Head coach Paul Benefield has guided Fyffe to 13 region crowns in the last 14 years.

Overall, the Red Devils have won 20 region championships during Benefield’s incredibly successful 28-year tenure at his alma mater.