Red Devils can’t extinguish Flame

Senior Gage Keller gets the tackle for Vina

By Josh Prewitt for the FCT

Vina (2-5, 0-4) came into this game with high hopes after winning their homecoming game against Alabama School for the Deaf 42-6, but the Red Devils couldn’t keep their momentum going and pick up their first region win with playoff implications, dropping to the Shoals Christian Flame 42-14.

Shoals’ Christian Martin had a big game as he finished the night with 231 yards and four touchdowns to lead Shoals Christian to a victory and a playoff berth in the Class 1A playoffs for the Flame (3-4, 3-2). It is Shoals Christian’s first playoff berth since 2013.

Vina took an early 6-0 lead on a first drive touchdown by Andrew Upton before giving up 42 unanswered points to the Flame.

Shoals Christian scored on a one-yard run and a two-point conversion to put the team up 8-6 with 2:24 to go in the first quarter.

Shoals Christian then recovered a Vina fumble on the next drive for a 19-yard touchdown to make it 14-6 late in the first quarter, and they increased that to 30-6 at halftime. In the second half the Flame swelled that score to lead 42-6.

Vina wouldn’t give up scoring on a six-yard touchdown run from senior Tyler Renfrow, who had a big night leading the Red Devils with 177 yards rushing on 27 carries.

They would recover the following onside kick but couldn’t turn it into points.

“I thought we had a good opening drive to start the game off with a touchdown,” Coach Luke Childers said. “We just gave up way too many big plays on third downs, which I think was the difference in the game.

“I just want us to finish the season strong these last two weeks.”