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

OHATCHEE, Ala. — The Fyffe Red Devils defeated the Ohatchee Indians, 26-7 in the third round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Playoffs.

The first quarter was a defensive battle with neither team scoring.  

With 9:01 remaining in the second quarter, Ike Rowell snuck in from 2-yards out.  The point-after attempt failed but put six points on the board for the Red Devils.  Rowell attacked again, this time from 86 yards around the left to score, with 4:09 remaining in the second quarter. The two-point conversion failed but gave Fyffe the 12-0 advantage going into the half.

Rowell connected with Justin Stiefel on an 8-yard touchdown pass, with 8:35 remaining in the third quarter.  The extra point by Brody Dalton made the score 19-0.  On fourth-and-1, Ohatchee dashed into the endzone with :39 remaining in the third.  The extra point narrowed the Red Devil lead to 19-7.  

Ike Rowell scored his third rushing touchdown of the night, as he bulldozed his way in from 2-yards out with 6:56 remaining in the game.  The kick by Dalton was good, giving the Fyffe Red Devils their 13th straight postseason win, with a score of 26-7.

Rowell led the Red Devils with 194 yard on 26 carries. 

“It’s a tough road win for anyone to beat Ohatchee,” said Fyffe Head Coach Paul Benefield. “Our guys have a ton of experience...and I think it showed. I was very proud of how physical we played and how we found a way to win.” 

The Fyffe Red Devils will host the defending Class 3A State Champions, Piedmont Bulldogs on Friday night.