The 1A Ragland Purple Devils will host 4A Hokes Bluff Friday.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us and we just want to go out and do as well as we can and we’re looking forward to getting into the second half of regional play next week,” Purple Devil head coach Brian Mintz said.

Last week Ragland put the hurt on Parkway Christian and Mintz said he couldn’t have been happier with his team’s 25-0 regional win.

“Our defense really was outstanding we didn’t give up a first down, that’s just unheard of,” Mintz said happily. The defense indeed did well holding off Parkway’s offense, who controlled the ball for over half of the game.

“I think that we played better in all aspects. We emphasized the regional impact to the kids before the game and they responded really well,” Mintz said.

Devin Wilson was hands down the player of the game. Wilson scored all three of the Purple Devils’ TDs. The first came on a five punch-in, the second was a 24-yard dash to the goal line and his third was a 12 yarder. He had a total of 183 yards on 24 carries and his longest rush of the night was a 28-yarder.

“He played really well, of course we knew he would,” Mintz said of Wilson. “He splits time with Nick Daniels. Devin came in and did an outstanding job and stepped up and played well all night. I was happy with him and for him.”

Devane Brewster rushed for 19 yards on a wet night at Joan Ford Stadium.