Maplesville cruises to victory over Autaugaville

Published 11:38 pm Friday, October 14, 2016

Maplesville’s Terence Dunlap outruns the Autaugaville defense for a touchdown. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

Maplesville’s Terence Dunlap outruns the Autaugaville defense for a touchdown. (Photo by Anthony Richards)

In many ways it was a typical game for Maplesville, as the Red Devils controlled from start to finish and never looked back en route to a 55-0 homecoming victory over Autaugaville in region play.

Maplesville came out aggressive on offense and established early success through the air.

Brent Schoener completed all three of his pass attempts in the game, two of which went for touchdowns to Michael Harris and Nathaniel Watson.

“Coach always says ‘you’re going to play how you practice,’” Schoener said. “I’ve grown a lot since the beginning. I am just happy to be out here and a part of this program.”

The pass to Watson was perfectly timed down the left sideline and dropped right into Watson’s lap before he tight-roped down the sideline for the score to put the Red Devils up 21-0 early on.

“It was an early read and just a one-step drop,” Schoener said. “I’m just glad that I have him [Watson] out there, because that makes my job so much easier.”

The Red Devils’ ground game manhandled the outmanned Autaugaville defense, as five different Maplesville players finished the game with a rushing touchdown.

“We dressed the most that we have in quite some time,” Maplesville head coach Brent Hubbert said. When we can put 53 kids on the field as a [Class] 1A school; that is a plus. It’s all about being between the lines with the lights on.”

After the first quarter, Maplesville was firmly on top 34-0 following five touchdowns on seven offensive plays.

Timothy Bradley intercepted a pass, while Tristen Thetford, Watson and Tyler Williams each recovered a fumble for the Red Devil defense.

Autaugaville’s offense was shut out and did not pick up a first down until 7:41 left in the second quarter.

“The defense did exactly what they were supposed to do,” Hubbert said.

The Red Devils led 48-0 at halftime and four-minute quarters were played in the second half.

Autaugaville had just enough players to field a team and played with 10 players for much of the game following an injury.

Maplesville wraps up region play next Friday at home against Loachapoka.

“Right now it’s all about staying undefeated in the region,” Hubbert said.