By Staff
Mike Hester
For the FCT
VINA – The Vina Red Devils opened the 2008 football season in style Friday by knocking off the ninth-ranked team in Class 1A.
Aaron Gray and Brent Townsend had great nights as Vina defeated Shoals Christian 22-14.
"To win our opening game is real big for us especially since it was a region game," said Vina coach Bill Smith.
Gray rushed for 118 yards on nine carries – highlighted by a 57-yard run – to lead the Red Devil rushing attack while Townsend picked up 68 rushing yards.
Townsend also had a strong night throwing the ball. He completed four passes for 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
His first touchdown pass was to Cass White for a 31-yard score, but the point after failed and Vina led 6-0.
Shoals Christian took the lead with 8:57 remaining in the second quarter, but the Red Devils answered a few minutes later when Townsend hit Morgan McCarley for a 43-yard touchdown strike.
Townsend scored on the two-point conversion giving Vina a 14-7 lead.
McCarley had two receptions for 66 yards in the game.
The Flame scored later in the quarter but failed to convert the point after attempt leaving Vina with a 14-13 halftime lead.
Channing Haithcock rounded out the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run and Gray scored on the two-point conversion.
Haithcock carried the ball 12 times for 47 yards.
The Vina offense gained 233 rushing yards on 34 carries and gained 144 yards through the air.
With the win, Vina avenged a 43-22 loss at to the Flame last year.
"We had a lot to work on in one week," Smith said. "I was really proud of all our players for playing hard from start to finish."
Vina will travel to Mt. Hope Friday to continue its region schedule.