The Bowdon Red Devils dominated the Manchester Blue Devils 28-27 in a thrilling Class A Division 2 State Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 11th. This victory marks Bowdon’s second consecutive state championship title.
After a shaky start with two losses, including one to Manchester in week 1, the Red Devils found their groove and won 13 straight games, culminating in their championship victory. Head coach Rich Fendley attributed this success to the dedication of his players and their unwavering belief in the coaching staff’s process.
The Red Devils’ signature play, the running game, was on full display in the opening drive. They chewed up over nine minutes of clock, advancing 18 consecutive times on the ground before McGrinn punched it in for a touchdown. This methodical approach set the tone for the game.
Manchester responded with a strong second quarter, scoring 21 unanswered points to take a 21-14 lead into halftime. However, the Red Devils refused to be fazed. McGrinn led the charge, with a 47-yard run and a touchdown just before halftime to tie the game.
The second half was a defensive battle, with both teams trading touchdowns. The Blue Devils opted for a fake field goal attempt with just over seven minutes remaining, but it was unsuccessful, handing the ball back to Bowdon.
McGrinn then converted a crucial third down with a 15-yard run, effectively sealing the victory for the Red Devils. They ran the clock out on their next possession, securing a hard-fought 28-27 win.
McGrinn was the star of the game, rushing for 185 yards and three touchdowns while also throwing for another. He credited his offensive line for opening up holes and allowing him to be successful.
The Red Devils’ defense also deserves credit for their resilience, especially in the second half when Manchester threatened to pull away. They made key stops when it mattered most, allowing the offense to take the lead and win the game.
This victory was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Bowdon Red Devils. They overcame a slow start and proved themselves to be the best team in Class A Division 2. Their back-to-back state championships will go down in school history as a testament to their talent and determination.
