Red Devils lose close game following lengthy delay

By Cindy Orrick

VINA — The Red Devils had to wait longer than anticipated to begin their game against Jacksonville Christian Academy when the officials assigned to call the game failed to show up.

Following a delay of more than three hours, a replacement crew of officials showed up and the game began well after 10 p.m.

Both teams had multiple possessions in the first quarter, but neither could put points on the scoreboard.

Jacksonville Christian finally scored with 4:32 remaining in the second quarter to take a 7-0 lead.

Vina answered in the third when Adam Pharr returned a kick 90 yards for a touchdown. He missed the point after to leave the Red Devils trailing by one point.

Vina coach James Pharr wanted to thank the fans and people who endured the delay to cheer for the teams.

“I’m proud of the boys. They played hard and aggressive,” Pharr said. “Penalties hurt us and we couldn’t capitalize on a few plays.”

Pharr was not happy with the officials from the Tennessee Valley Association and said he had never heard of officials not showing up to games they are assigned to call. Pharr was upset by the fact the school had a contract with the officials and had paid in advance for their services.

Vina’s opponent, Jacksonville Christian Academy is located near the Georgia state line, which means the team and their fans had to drive more than three hours to reach Vina. Due to the long drive, rescheduling the game was not an option.

Replacement officials were eventually located, but they were busy calling the Phil Campbell game against Phillips.

After the conclusion of that game, the officials went to Vina.