Defense sparks Blue Devils

MARION -- West Memphis' defense negated Marion's recovery of an onside kick with a game-changing defensive stand early in the third quarter, and the Blue Devils scored the final 16 points in a 22-10 6A-East victory over Marion.

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Marion (1-3, 0-1) took a 10-6 lead after a 26-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Peyton Walker to Tom Young at the 9:29 mark.

The Patriots had all the momentum after recovering an onside kick by placekicker Bradford Doherty and took possession inside West Memphis territory.

But the Blue Devils turned the tide when stopping Young short on fourth and 1.

West Memphis Coach Billy Elmore credited defensive coordinator Butch Gray with making the right call on fourth and short.

"I don't know what was more valuable, his call or the kids' execution," Elmore said.

West Memphis' defense held Marion to 51 rushing yards for the game.

The Blue Devils (3-1, 1-0) wasted no time in cashing in. A pass interference call against Marion aided West Memphis on its 12-play, 78-yard scoring drive capped by senior Devonte Dean's 1-yard go-ahead touchdown with 3:11 to play in the third quarter.

West Memphis padded its margin after recovering a fumble by Marion's Kade Triplett on the ensuing kickoff. Senior Martavious Thomas scored eight plays later on a 1-yard run with 11:57 still to play in the fourth quarter.

The Blue Devils added a safety when they tackled Walker in the end zone with 1:35 to play in the game.

West Memphis took a 6-0 lead when Dean, who rushed for 68 yards on 27 carries, scored on a 16-yard run after a Jerry Edwards interception in the first half.

Doherty's 45-yard field goal with 9:41 to play in the second quarter to pulled the Patriots to within 6-3.

Sports on 09/24/2016

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