Brian Mintz always tells his players at the start of postseason that the playoffs will only end well for one team.  

With an undefeated record and a berth in the Class 1A semifinal game, hopes were high that the Ragland Purple Devils would be that team this year.  Marion County’s Red Raiders, however, had ideas of their own, outpacing Ragland 35-14 last Friday and eliminating the local team from the state championship hunt.

Like his players, the coach was disappointed but remained philosophical.

“We just played a good football team,” he said.  “I don’t think we played extremely well, but they had a lot to do with it as well.  I tell the guys at the start of the playoffs that it’s not going to end well for all but one team.  The season ends on a sour note for just about everyone.  They’ll realize that more as time goes on.  Right now, that one game is standing out in their minds, but they’ll eventually appreciate more about just what they accomplished this season.”

The Purple Devils’ 13-1 record is the best ever for a Ragland football team, topping the previous best by two wins.  Friday’s game was Ragland’s second appearance in a state semifinal and its first since 2006.  “Maybe one day we’ll make the breakthrough,” Mintz said.

Against the Red Raiders, the Purple Devils were down 21-14 at halftime, with Nick Daniels giving them the lead early in the first quarter on a 26-yard touchdown run.  Marion tied the score later in the period before a 60-yard pass from Scotty Smith to Jimmy Brock gave Ragland another temporary lead.  

The Red Raiders scored twice more before the half and held Ragland scoreless in the third quarter.  Two fourth quarter touchdowns ensured their win.  

Ragland racked up 278 yards of total offense.  Daniels gained 68 on eight carries, followed by Devane Brewster with 42 yards on six attempts.  Smith ran six times for 31 yards, and JohnMark Mintz rushed for 31 yards on six carries.

Austin Thornton led the Purple Devils’ defense with eight tackles.

“I appreciate all the guys, including our nine seniors, for how hard they played this year,” Mintz said.  “It was a great, enjoyable year.  Win or lose, every year is not always enjoyable, but it was a lot of fun to work with these guys getting ready to play each week, and that’s what it’s all about.”