By By Adam Robinson – sports editor
Last year's game between T.R. Miller and the Escambia County Blue Devils was a game to forget for the Tigers, who lost 10-2, and only managed a safety late in the game to avoid a shutout.
The game marked the first win for the Blue Devils over the Tigers since 1993.
While last year is in the past for the Tigers, this year's Tiger team will be more experienced, Riggs said.
The first game will give some much-needed experience to younger players, Riggs said.
Escambia County went 7-4 last season and finished second in the region in class 4A region one with the Tigers. The Blue Devils return 10 starters from last year's team and also return quarterback Rico Stallworth and running back Michael Thomas.
While the first game of the season is always a non-region game for teams in the AHSAA, and region games are usually the most important, Riggs said winning the first game is always a positive start.
T.R. Miller is in 3A this year, moving down a classification because of the size of enrollment.
Riggs also noted that the Blue Devils have a couple of good offensive linemen and a good center and some good players back on defense.
Game time Friday is set for 7 p.m.
Riggs is hoping for a better outcome than last year.