The Pearl River Central Blue Devils gave up 41 points in the second half in their 54-26 loss to Gautier High School Friday night.
The Blue Devils started the game with an interception in the opening drive on fourth down at the opponent’s 19-yard line, which was the first of four Blue Devil turnovers in the game.
The Gators wasted no time marching down the field after getting possession of the ball, as the Gators ran three plays before running back Deandre Torrey scored on a 12-yard run with 4:24 to go in the first quarter.
However, the Blue Devils responded with a quick drive of their own, pounding the ball down the field in the subsequent drive. Blue Devils Diante Lenoir hurdled over a Gator defender on a 6-yard run to the end zone, tying the score 7-7 just two-minutes after the Gators scored.
After possession of the ball switched a couple times, the Gators produced an 88-yard drive as Torrey capitalized on a 56-yard rushing touchdown.
Going into halftime, PRC was leading the Gators 14-13 after a scoring play from Blue Devils’ wide receiver A.J. Banks, who caught a 34-yard pass from quarterback Wyatt Davis.
“We were confident going into the half and the kids knew what they had to do in order to come out with a win,” Gautier Head Football Coach Chris Peterson said.
In the second half, the Gators would end up scoring 41 points on the Blue Devils’ defense.
The momentum of the game continued when Gators’ James Williams returned a kickoff for a touchdown, giving Gautier a 25-20 lead.
Blue Devils Head Football Coach Larry Dolan said that play changed the energy of the game.
Torrey ended the night with four rushing touchdowns, leading the Gators to a hard fought victory.
In the second half, it seemed Gautier had a response to every move the Blue Devils made.
Next week, PRC hopes to get back on track as they travel to Long Beach High School Oct. 7 in another district game.