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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Verbena High School matched its win total from last season through its first two games of 2024 after taking down Keith High School 22-6 on Sept. 6 for their first Class 1A Region 4 win of the year. The Red Devils were led by running back Jacob Morris who had a trio of touchdown runs, and the Verbena defense created five turnovers to give them 10 through two games.

Keith broke the ice with a scoop-and-score touchdown in the first quarter to go up 6-0, but Morris tied the game with the first of his three scores just before the end of the quarter from three yards out. The Verbena defense capitalized on the soggy weather with four fumble recoveries by four different players over the course of the game — Kaden Coggins, Morris, Isaac Stoudemire and Hayden Wilson.

“I think it is a combination of (coincidence and purpose) with the turnovers, and our guys are really hungry about playing defense,” Verbena head coach Allen Brothers said. “We have some guys who are playing really well. It is fun to watch, but it is a little nerve racking too because we turn the ball over on offense ourselves, too.”

The Red Devils were determined to stick to the run game, piling up 369 yards on 59 carries to only 13 yards passing. Morris led the team with 145 yards on 18 carries, and he ripped off his longest touchdown of the three just before halftime from 66 yards out, sending Verbena into the break up 14-6 following the two-point conversion. Other notable runners for the Red Devils included Caleb Short with 10 carries for 58 yards, Triston Wilhite with 11 carries for 52 yards and Wilson with eight carries for 53 yards.

The Red Devils defense had a bend but do not break feel to it as they forced two turnovers out of Keith inside their own 10-yard line. They did not allow a score the entire game, and Ethan McDaniel and Stoudemire each had four tackles to lead all players. Jackson Brothers pulled down an interception.

Morris put the finishing touches on the win with a short touchdown run in the fourth quarter, followed by Wilhite’s two-point conversion.

“We are just taking it one game at a time, and my concern is that we have not put together a complete game yet as far as not fumbling and being solid in all phases,” Brothers said. “Being 2-0 and 1-0 in the region is an awesome feeling. We have some tough teams on our schedule, so I do not think you will see us blow out anyone, but we have a chance to win on most Friday nights.”

Verbena (2-0) travels to nearby Billingsley High School on Sept. 13 for their next game in Class 1A Region 4 play. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.