Franklin County Times

By Kadin Pounders

For the FCT

WATERLOO – In a matchup between two winless teams on Friday night, only one could come away with its first win of the season.

The Vina Red Devils (0-9) traveled to Waterloo (1-8) and, in a game dominated by Vina turnovers and Waterloo’s rushing attack, were routed 34-0 to remain winless on the year.

Waterloo came out to start the game firing on all cylinders. The Cougars scored on their first possession of the game, running the ball nine times on their way to the endzone. Following the score, Waterloo recovered the onside kick. Two plays later, Cougars running back Bradley Darby ran 47 yards for a touchdown.

The Cougars scored on every one of their possessions in the first half. Trey Palmer, Bradley Darby, and Bobby Fox were responsible for all of Waterloo’s 295 total yards in the first half. Palmer and Fox both rushed for one touchdown while Darby rushed for two. The other touchdown was a fumble recovery in the endzone by Kyle Smith.

Darby would finish the game leading the Cougars with 168 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

As hot as Waterloo came out, Vina came out even colder. The Red Devils turned the ball over on each of their three possessions of the half – twice via fumble and the other on turnover-on-downs.

At halftime Waterloo led Vina 34-0.

“Too many turnovers,” said Vina Head Coach James Pharr.

“The first half we turned the ball over – that was the story.”

Vina received the kickoff to start the second half, but the trend from the first half continued. The Red Devils threw an interception on their opening possession and fumbled on two of their four remaining possessions.

The only bright side for Vina in the second half was their defense. Vina recovered two fumbles and forced two punts from Waterloo only allowing the Cougars 54 yards the remainder of the game. Waterloo would not score in the second half.

At the end of the game Waterloo held on to their halftime lead defeating Vina 34-0.

“I’m proud of my kids for fighting in the second half,” said Pharr. “We just dug a hole we couldn’t get out of.”

Vina finished with 148 yards of total offense but gave up 349 yards to the Cougars on defense. Hunter Haithcock led the Red Devils with 54 yards rushing.

Vina will end the season at home against Hubbertville on Friday night.