Florala intensity proves too much for Pleasant Home

Published 12:01 am Saturday, October 18, 2014

Florala’s intensity early on against Pleasant Home proved too much for the Eagles as the Wildcats rolled to a 41-14 victory on Friday night.

The Wildcats went on to take a 41-0 lead.

“I thought it was a great team win,” FHS head football coach Brad Rhodes said. “I’m very proud of the way our team played (Friday night). I’m really happy with the way we came out from the beginning. We started early, and played with a lot of intensity and focus early in the game.”

Florala’s Chandler Holmes and Austin West had one touchdown each. Avery McNeill was responsible for two touchdowns — a rushing and throwing. Ray Hall had a receiving and rushing touchdown. Additionally,Blake Donaldson had a touchdown.

For PHS, DJ Veasey had a 10-yard TD run, and Reid Adams had a 5-yard scoring run on the Eagles’ senior night.

Eagles head football coach Chris Mason said not being physical was the difference.

“We have had a problem with tackling this year and that starts with having a different mindset and working harder in the weight room,” Mason said. “I’m proud of these seniors. They are laying the foundation for this program.”

Rhodes said all week, the coaches have been pushing the players to play with more intensity.

“From the opening, we did that,” he said.

With Florala winning over the Eagles and Kinston’s 8-6 victory over Red Level last night, the Wildcats will need to beat the Bulldogs next week to have a chance to get into the postseason.

The winner advances to the postseason. The loser will not have a week 11.

“I’m proud of them for giving us the opportunity to play in this kind of game,” Rhodes said about next week’s matchup against KHS. “We played well in all phases of the game.”

West and Donaldson had seven tackles each to lead FHS on defense. West also had two fumble recoveries. McNeill had an interception.

Offensively, West had 10 carries for 70 yards; McNeill had 70 yards rushing on six carries, and was 6-of-10 passing for 91 yards.