Verbena (2-5, 1-4 region) hung tough with Talladega County Central (6-1, 5-0) for a half last night, but the Red Devils didn’t fare as well in the second half, losing 40-8.

Talladega Co. Central’s lead was only 14-0 at halftime.

Quarterback Brad Boswell scored Verbena’s only touchdown on a 2-yard sneak with 1:19 left in the game, and Kelly Dorsett ran in the 2-point conversion.

Kelly Lucas rushed 16 times for 105 yards, and Austin Daniel led the defensive effort with two interceptions.