Vina earns spot in playoffs

The Vina Red Devils earned a spot in the Class 1A playoffs with a convincing 44-12 win over the Shoals Christian Flame Friday. It will be the Red Devils’ first appearance in the playoffs since 2015.

The win over the Flame marked the Red Devils’ third win of the season. They only had one win in the previous two seasons combined.

Vina trailed 6-0 in the game before scoring 36 unanswered leading up to halftime.

“We got down 6-0 in the first quarter, and the guys fought back,” said first-year head coach Ben Guin. “They never gave up, and they played hard to come back and win the ball game.

“I’m very proud of them, and they are excited about having the opportunity to make it to the playoffs.”

Jackson Landers led the way, accounting for four touchdowns – two running and two throwing.

Landers’ two touchdown passes were a 52-yard pass to Malachi Fletcher and a 45-yard pass to Haze Weatherford.

Malik Fletcher and Elijah Whitfield scored the touchdowns on the ground for Vina.

Vina will host Hackleburg Friday night. The winner will earn the third seed in the playoffs, with the loser earning the fourth seed.