Water Valley clinches playoff berth with rout of Independence

Published 8:40 am Saturday, October 21, 2017

COLDWATER – Another Friday night and another dominating Water Valley victory.

This time a massive 64-28 win over the Independence Wildcats puts the Blue Devils on a four-game win streak and punched their ticket to the Class 3A playoffs.

After the game, Water Valley Head Coach Brad Embry talked to his team and took the time to address their effort and recent success.

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“I could not be any prouder than I am with this group here. The cheer team, the coaches, the parents, all of you (the team), this was a group effort and I am proud to be a part of this. You deserved this and this is only the start.”

The Blue Devils (7-3, 4-0 Region 2-3A) offense stole the show last night and once they started rolling, there was no stopping it.

It began with a blocked punt that fell directly into Bud Tolbert’s hands, giving Water Valley early momentum on defense and an early lead. Water Valley’s defense would hold strong through the first half, only giving up seven total points.

Water Valley kept the pressure on the Wildcats (4-6, 1-3) all night, with quarterback Blayne Clark and Martavius Rockett doing their fair share of damage. Clark scored a touchdown from 5-yards out to give the Blue Devils a two-score lead late in the first quarter, which Rockett extended to three scores early in the second with an 11-yard run, giving Water Valley a significant lead with 8 minutes to go in the half.

Rockett and Clark’s first half exploits would not diminish as the clock ran down, with both finding the end zone again before the half was over. Not only did the offense put up a ridiculous number of first half points, but the defense tacked on an extra two points for a late first half safety, putting the score at 37-7  in favor of the Blue Devils at halftime.

“I’d really have to watch film before I can say what all we did well, but I know our guys executed and I am proud of how they held themselves. By the final score, it’s obvious we executed our game plan and I cannot stress how proud I am of this team,” said Embry after the game.

The second half was more of the same, with Damicah Hervey, Kenterrious Rucker showing off their speed, both scoring third quarter rushing touchdowns.

With the game easily in control by Water Valley, the Blue Devils cruised their way to a fourth straight victory and head into next week’s contest against North Panola with plenty of momentum.

Rucker added one more touchdown in the fourth quarter, while Jacob Truss posted a score of his own for the winning margin.

For Water Valley, it all comes down to Oct. 27 when the Blue Devils host undefeated North Panola (9-0, 4-0), who beat M.S. Palmer 54-0, for the region championship. The winner will gain the Region 2-3A crown and the top seed in the Class 2A playoffs.