Falkville’s Shawn Mears, Lucas Johnson and Cade Wilemon congratulate each other after defeating Shoals Christian 35-14 in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs. | Special to the Enquirer: Kelly Miller

Lauren Estes
Special to the Enquirer

It was a historic night in Burl Vest Stadium as the Falkville Blue Devils (9-1) tamed the Shoals Christian Flame 35-14 for FHS’s first-ever home playoff win.

FHS led the Flame from start to finish, dominating on both the offensive and defensive fronts.

After forcing Shoals Christian to a three-and-out, Ryan Sullivan completed a 55-yard touchdown pass to Logan Vinson with 8:53 to play in the first quarter.

Following another SC punt, Aaron Estes broke two tackles on his way to an 87-yard touchdown with 5:40 to play in the first quarter. Sullivan scored the two-point conversion.

Cade Wilemon and a Shoals Christian player fight for the football Friday night. | Special to the Enquirer: Todd Barker

The next touchdown would not come until the 40-second mark of the second quarter after a big hit by Lucas Johnson forced a fumble, which was recovered by Cade Wilemon on SC’s 47-yard line. Sullivan connected with Austin Kritner on a 21-yard pass play for a touchdown. Sullivan was true on the PAT and FHS led Shoals Christian 21-0 at the half.

The Flame had the ball to start the second half and entered the field ready to score on the opening drive.

Flame quarterback Daniel Wood capped a 10-play drive with a two-yard keeper, to cut the lead to 21-6.

Following big gains by Austin Wilhite and Vinson through the air, Sullivan scored on a one-yard keeper, which sent the score 28-6 at the 11:42 mark of the final quarter.

Even after tackles for losses by Zach Garrison and Shawn Mears, Shoals converted on back-to-back second-and-17 plays en route to a 33-yard touchdown from Wood to Mitchell Boyd with 8:35 to play.

Shoals recovered an onside kick, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and a defensive stop by the Devils led by Garrison ended the threat.

Sullivan then found Kritner on a 52-yard pass play for a touchdown to end all hope for the Flame.

Estes, Tyler Woodall and Shawn Mears each pulled down interceptions for the Blue Devils on the night.

Sullivan was 14-for-22 for 308 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Estes led in rushing with five carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. Kritner pulled down four receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns.

Zach Garrison and Shawn Mears each had six tackles on the night. Tyler Woodall, Cade Wilemon and Estes each managed four.

Falkville will host Hubbertville in Burl Vest Stadium on Friday night.