RED SPRINGS — Before Thursday’s game against East Columbus High School, Red Springs football coach Ron Cook told his team he wanted two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a fumble return for a touchdown.

The Red Devils did all three on their way to a 47-0 rout of East Columbus, improving to 6-0 on the season.

“Our defensive line is getting better and better,” Cook said. “They’re making great strides. Our defense has played well so far.”

Red Springs forced six turnovers in the contest, recovering five fumbles and pulling down an interception. Sophomore Jerome Bass recovered one of the fumbles and took it to the house for an early touchdown.

The Red Devils blitzed the Gators (1-5) from the start, with running back Ron Alexander scoring on the first play of the game. Alexander finished with more than 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Deondre Hallman had a big night for Red Springs on both sides of the ball, forcing a fumble, recovering a fumble and scoring a touchdown on a 70-yard run on the last play of the game.

The Red Devils led 34-0 at halftime.

Red Springs will take its undefeated record to Whiteville next week for a battle with the defending champions of the Three Rivers Conference.

By Rodd Baxley

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Rodd Baxley can be reached at 910-416-5182. Follow him on Twitter @RoddBaxley.