Lauren Estes
Special to the Enquirer

ONEONTA – Falkville is now 3-0, overall and in region play, after defeating Appalachian High 42-24 Friday.

“The second half our defense was great,” said head coach Joel Schrenk. “We made a few adjustments at halftime to correct some of the first half issues, we just didn’t execute everything that we were supposed to, but we will build from that. We have to catch balls that are thrown to us, wrap up and tackle, and build from there. Every week we are working on building, building pieces at a time. Tonight was a confidence builder more than anything. It showed us we can make a comeback and also, our defense in the second half showed us that we can shut folks out. “

The Blue Devils managed to get on the board first after a 38-yard pass to Hunter Woodall from Aaron Estes putting Falkville on the six-yard line, and setting up Estes for an easy QB keeper into the end zone. Ryan Sullivan added the extra point, putting Falkville up 7-0 with 29 seconds to go in the first quarter.

The Eagle’s quarterback James McMunn followed with a six-yard keeper of his own with 10:02 to play in the second quarter; however, their two-point conversion failed, keeping Falkville ahead, 7-6.

Less than three minutes and six plays later; Estes threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Lucas Johnson.  Ryan Sullivan was true in his extra point bringing the score 14-6.

With 3:55 to play in the second quarter, McMunn found William Christian on a five-yard pass in the end zone.  Again, the two-point conversion failed and Falkville still led 14-12.

Only 89 seconds and four plays later, Estes connected a 27-yard pass to Cade Wilemon for a touchdown. Ryan Sullivan made the score 21-12 with his extra point.

The Appalachian Eagles scored back-to-back in the last two minutes of the first half.

At the 1:23 mark, McMunn scored his second rushing touchdown of the game on a seven-yard quarterback keeper.  The two-point conversion was picked off by Estes.

With only 37 seconds to go in the half,  McMunn connected with Oziel Maldonado on a 51-yard pass play to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, going into the half 24-21 over the Devils.

The Blue Devils fought back in the second half, shutting out the Eagles.

Austin Kritner set up the first score of the second half with a pick for the Blue Devils, putting Falkville on their own 25-yard line. Woodall had a three-yard carry for a touchdown 4:14 left in the third. The extra point was blocked, but Falkville was able to regain control, 27-21.

After holding the Eagles to one first down and forcing a punt, on the first play from scrimmage, Woodall took the ball 78-yards for Blue Devil touchdown and a commanding 33-24 lead.

Shawn Mears made his presence known on defense as he stopped the quarterback in the end zone for a safety with 10:02 to play in the fourth.

Falkville’s offense wasn’t finished as they scored once more at the 7:24 mark on a seven-play drive after a Cade Wilemon return. Woodall walked into the end zone on a one-yard carry, and Damon Hester sealed the deal with the extra point.

Falkville will host the Meek Tigers at Burl Vest Stadium on Friday in region play for homecoming.