Cheryl Boydston | Southern Torch
Marla Jones, Sports Editor
FYFFE, Ala.-- The Fyffe Red Devils (10-2) were defeated by the Saks Wildcats, 14-7, in the third round of the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Playoffs.
Saks scored on a quarterback keeper with 1:51 remaining in the first. The two-point conversion gave the Wildcats the 8-0 advantage over the Red Devils. Despite fumbles on both sides, neither team could capitalize. Saks went into the half, with the 8-0 lead over the Red Devils.
Saks controlled the clock in the third, with a 10-play drive that took eight minutes and ended with a 2-yard touchdown for the Wildcats. Fyffe stopped the 2-point conversion to make the score 14-0.
The Red Devils scored with 5:20 remaining in the fourth, on a 2-yard run by Kyle Dukes. The extra-point kick by Yahir Balcazar brought the Red Devils within seven. The Wildcats ran the clock out to win, 14-7.
“It was just a great year for our team starting back in August with basically one starter coming back. I thought our kids improved weekly and played their hearts out every night,” stated Fyffe Head Coach, Paul Benefield. “At the end of the day, that's all you can do. So, I am very proud to have made it to the last eight teams with a roster of 26 in Class 3A….Go Big Red!” Benefield concluded.
The Fyffe Red Devils outscored their opponents 441 to 107 points this season. The team had 760 yards in the first two playoff games but were limited to 174 rushing yards on 37 carries against Saks.
The Fyffe Red Devils won in 2016, lost in the quarterfinals in 2017, and took home back-to-back State Championships in 2018 and 2019. After changing to Class 3A, the Red Devils won the 3A title last year.
The Red Devils will lose only five players to graduation: Will Stephens, Elisha Stiefel, Will Edge, Austin Mulligan and Kyle Dukes. These seniors are a part of the longest winning streak in the nation. These players will graduate with four championship rings on their fingers.
The Fyffe Red Devils are young and rebuilding. They will be a force to be reckoned with next season. Until next year...
