Blue Devils move to 3-1 after 35-22 win over the Shamrocks

The Williston-Elko Blue Devils hit the road to Columbia last Thursday, September 12 for a clash with the Eau Claire Shamrocks. In this case, the Shamrocks ran out of luck as Williston-Elko outplayed Eau Claire in most areas of the game, but really dominated the special teams battle. The Blue Devils returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and earned the 35-22 victory to move to 3-1 on the season.

The Devils got on the scoreboard early in the game, scoring three first half touchdowns and jumped out to a 21-0 lead. Eau Claire responded by scoring one touchdown of their own to make it a 21-8 halftime lead for the Devils.

Williston-Elko has charged to a 3-1 record to start the season after beating Eau Claire last Thursday, September 12.

Williston-Elko head coach Kenny Lipsey was asked about his team’s win over the Shamrocks and said, “We came out firing on all cylinders as we built a 21-0 lead in the first quarter. Eau Claire capitalized off of a turnover late in the second quarter to make the score 21-8 at the half. The first half scoring was brought to you by the way of Joc'Quise Washington on an 11-yard touchdown run that was set up by a Willie Brown interception that he returned 45 yards. The second score of the first half came by way of a one yard Corey Newman run that was set up by Justice Israel’s blocked punt. The last touchdown of the half was a Tony Dunbar to Quaide Overton 27-yard bomb. Quaide Overton was 3 for 3 on PATs in the first half. Justice Israel and Kadin Wright along with Ben Adams continued their strong defensive plays in the first half.”

The second half was started by an Eau Claire drive for a touchdown to cut the score to 21-14. On the ensuing kickoff Markel Brown fielded the kick at the 25-yard line and out raced everyone to the endzone for a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Quaide Overton's PAT attempt was good for a 28-14 lead. After a nice defensive stand by the Shamrocks and a 98-yard drive for a touchdown that cut the lead to 28-22, the Shamrocks decided to kick it deep and Willie Brown made them pay with an 83-yard kickoff return for a Blue Devils’ touchdown. Quaide Overton closed out the scoring with his fifth PAT of the night.

“It was sloppy at times, but a win is a win, and I am proud of the fight our kids continue to show this year. We have a well-deserved bye week this week and then it’s on to North Augusta to face the Fox Creek Predators,” said Lipsey.

Devils QB Tony Dunbar talks with head coach Kenny Lipsey during Williston-Elko's 35-22 win over Eau Claire.

At this time last season, the Blue Devils were searching for any kind of win, but had no luck. Williston-Elko sits proudly at 3-1 on the season. Coach Lipsey, his staff, and the Blue Devil players have really turned things around this year. 

Come out Friday, September 27 as the Devils hit the road to go take on the Fox Creek Predators. These hard-working young men would love your support as they look to improve to 4-1 on the year. Go Blue Devils!