ORRVILLE — The No. 8 Keith High Bears improved to 8-0 (6-0, Class 1A-Region 3) on the season Friday by defeating the Autaugaville Eagles 28-6. “We started out well but looked flat in the second quarter, was able to take the lead into halftime and close the door in the third. It’s another great win for us,” said Keith head coach Harry Crum.

Delmuss Irby got to the perimeter and found the end zone from ten yards out to cap off the Bears’ first drive, making it a 6-0 contest. The Eagles (3-6, 1-5 Class 1A Region 3) couldn’t answer on the following possession and were forced to punt, giving the Bears good field position.

Starting deep in Autaugaville territory, Charles Johnson rushed once and Walton Young twice to gain 37 yards. On the trap play, Young found a seam and added to Keith’s lead, 12-0.

The two teams traded interceptions and punts over the course of the next four possessions. Keith received the ball with a little more than three minutes remaining in the half. Keith quarterback Maurice Crumpton rushed for 14 yards and then connected with Damarquis Lumpkin on a 28-yard touchdown strike.

After converting the 2-point attempt, the Bears took a 20-0 lead into halftime. Keith’s defense allowed the Eagles only 24 yards rushing, 29 yards passing and five first downs during the first half.

Damarquis Lumkin found the end zone for the second time of the evening on the Bears’ first possession of the third quarter, giving Keith a 28-0 advantage. Autaugaville managed to run the ensuing kickoff back for their only touchdown, and the last points scored in the contest.

Keith travels to take on No. 7 Maplesville next Friday in a battle for the region title.