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Jacob Dupree returns an interception for the Victory Life Academy Eagles in a 50-0, mercy-rule victory over Duke Friday.
Victory Life 50, Duke 0
Friday’s home opener was the first win over the season for the VLA Eagles, who ended it early with a 50-0 Mercy-rule win over Duke. Dayton Booth helped VLA to the early exit by returning an interception for a touchdown right before the first half would have ended.
“They had a couple of their players out. I actually was hoping we could play the whole game, but there wasn’t much we could do about it when Booth made that pick,” said VLA coach Tim Wigington.
Quarterback Jake Nichols led the Eagles with more than 200 yards and a handful of scores.
“We had some good passes, with a catch and run for about 40 yards to Dayton Booth for a score,” said Wigington. “Jake was easily over a hundred yards rushing, and we passed quite a bit better this game.”
Preston Cooper added a touchdown run with a sweep play that went more than 50 yards, and Cameron Hise scored on a reverse. Jacob Dupree also returned a pick for more than 50 yards that set up a short touchdown.
Several defenders keyed the shutout. Colby Hicks had quite a few sacks and tackles in the backfield, while Taylor Reeves had a fumble recovery and Booth added a deflection. Cooper and Nichols also logged tackles for loss.
VLA (1-2) will be back on the road at Temple (2-1) Friday. Temple won 60-12 over Mountain-View Gotebo.
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Ryan 42, Caddo 14
The Caddo Bruins trailed 28-0 at the half, but rattled of two unanswered touchdowns to cut the lead 28-14 before Ryan ran away with it.
“We just couldn’t stop them,” said Caddo coach Randy Hitsman. “We had them at fourth down five or six times, and just couldn’t get them stopped. They’re a good team, one of the best teams in the district.”
In the second half, Dillon Proctor took over at quarterback for Roger Behrens who was playing in place of injured Nate Owens. He opened Caddo scoring with a 45-yard touchdown pass to Ty Miller. The conversion was no good, but Caddo wasn’t finished scoring.
Proctor hit paydirt again on a 60-yard touchdown runs and then completed a conversion pass to Tyler Wright.
“Dillon moved to quarterback and finished the second half. He did real well with the little bit of work he’s had back there,” said Hitsman.
Hitsman also made mention of a few defensive players, citing strong play from nose guard Robert Davenport, defensive end Cullen Whisenhunt and cornerback J.T. Argo.
Caddo will be at Cyril (0-3) Friday. Cyril lost 55-8 to Alex last week.