For a program not used to losing, the Maplesville Red Devils took it much too easily.

Six turnovers and uninspired play all-around led to Holy Spirit 13, Maplesville 6 in Week 9. Worse, the Devils (6-3) seemed indifferent, coach Brent Hubbert said.

“We told our kids that you’re going to lose some games, but you don’t have to like it,” Hubbert said.

Maplesville displayed much more competitiveness in the final regular season game, which the Devils lost, 34-33, to Class 2A No. 6 American Christian.

“We got down 14-0 quick, and we acted like it bothered us,” Hubbert said.

His team tied the game on the last play of the first half and fought until the end.

Maplesville will need to give that kind of effort against Class 1A No. 7 Loachapoka on Friday in the first round of the state playoffs.

Out of seven region foes this season, the Indians (7-2) allowed points against only two, No. 5 Wadley and No. 9 Talladega County Central.

So, Hubbert said, the Maplesville offensive line will need to continue its strong play from the ACA game, when the unit graded 90 percent and recorded 11 pancake blocks. Senior Daniel Davenport was the best of the group at 94 percent and six pancakes.

“We need that kind of performance again to have a chance,” Hubbert said.