There was a point in Friday’s game that Verbena could taste its first win of the 2012 season.

The Red Devils continued to battle after falling behind 14-0 and clawed back to within striking distance on a nine-yard run by quarterback Jared Mims on a 3rd-down-and-four play.

Just when it seemed something might go right for a team that has been beset by injuries–and losses–visiting Isabella answered with a scoring drive that essentially put the game away.

IHS (3-2) struck first. Trey Calfee intercepted a Verbena pass, and then, two plays later, ran 36 yards for a touchdown with 4:22 remaining in the first quarter.

Another VHS interception set up the second score of the game. This time it was quarterback Tyler Smith running it in, from three yards out. Calfee added the 2-point conversion to make the score 14-0 with 5:20 to go until halftime.

Verbena (0-5) scored with 9:44 on the clock in the third quarter, and Isabella responsed with a drive that ended with a two-yard keeper by Smith.

The Mustangs put the game away with a nine-yard run by Smith on 3rd-and-7.