Lauren Estes-Velez

Hartselle Enquirer

Falkville returned an injured Blue Devil into the game Friday night at Burl Vest Stadium, who made his presence known early into the first quarter and helped snatch a victory over Cleveland 35-28.

Falkville secured a touchdown on a huge play from quarterback Aaron Dove, who found Christian Angulo on a 68-yard pass-play for a touchdown less than two minutes into the game. Marcus Klocek was there to add the extra point.

FHS put the second round of points on the board at the 8:35 mark of the first quarter on the back of the previously injured Fred Walls’ seven-yard carry for a touchdown. Klocek remained true on the PAT.

The Blue Devils scored a third touchdown in a row after multiple stops by a roaring Falkville defense. At the 5:38 mark of the second quarter, Walls’ number was called again. After a 15-yard touchdown run, he made way into the endzone to extend the lead another six points. Klocek was there to make sure it was seven points, and Falkville led 21-0.

The Cleveland Panthers had their first big play of the game on a kickoff return by Parker Gilliland through blown coverage by the Blue Devils special teams, just 14 seconds after the FHS score. Gilliland moved the ball 75 yards to put the first set of Panther points on the scoreboard. Cleveland’s PAT was good, and the Panthers cut into Falkville’s lead, 21-7.

Dove made Angulo’s number a popular one to call Friday night and found him on a short yet precise three-yard touchdown catch with just 30 seconds to play before halftime. Klocek did what he does best and remained perfect on the night with the extra point.

The Panthers mustered up their own short but successful offensive drive with five seconds left before the end of the second quarter. Da’Quarrius Phillips managed a three-yard touchdown run for Cleveland. Cleveland hit their second PAT of the night, and Falkville would go on to lead at halftime 28-14