By Staff
Kim West, Franklin County Times
THARPTOWN – The return of Vina's Nash Creekmore spoiled Tharptown's big opening night Friday.
Creekmore, who hadn't played a snap since injuring his back during the Red Devils' spring game, scored twice and powered a 311-yard rushing attack by the Red Devils to lead them to a 47-28 win.
Despite initially mishandling the opening kickoff, Creekmore busted up the middle for an 85-yard touchdown return that put Vina on the board just 23 seconds into the game and quieted a spirited home crowd that packed the stands to watch the Wildcats' first-ever game at Tharptown Stadium.
Tharptown, which is playing its first full varsity season this year, trailed just 28-19 at halftime, but Vina pulled away with three scores in the second half despite the efforts of the quarterback Tyler Cagle, who rushed for 158 yards on 20 carries and scored the Wildcats' only second half touchdown, and running back Justin Graves, who scored two touchdowns in the first half.
Vina quarterback Brent Townsend scored on three touchdown runs, and Bryan Darracott and Channing Haithcock also added rushing touchdowns for the Red Devils.
Manny Ricardo had the other score for Tharptown when nhe recovered a Wildcats' fumble in the end zone for their first score during the first quarter.
Vina will host Shoals Christian in Class 1A, Region 8 play next week, while Tharptown plays at Waterloo.