The dress rehearsal for the Bowdon High School football season was productive.

Sharpening skills and game-situation experience was the focal point of the scrimmage for both the Red Devils and Heard County Friday night as the Braves edged the Red Devils, 13-7.

The Braves took the opening kick off up to the 30-yard line to begin their drive. Bowdon’s defensive line closed down the middle running lanes, forcing the Braves to look outside for running room.

Heard County’s drive was plagued with penalties, with three of the first five plays ending in penalty yardage. Bowdon’s Ivan Glenn tackled Heard County’s running back Shadawn Wood for a 10-yard loss to end the drive.

The first two offensive plays for the Red Devils were straight up the middle smash-mouth runs that gave the Red Devils a first down.

Bowdon’s J.J. Beasley went around the corner of the Heard County defense for a 36-yard gain putting the Devils on the 8-yard line. Three plays later, Jordon Loveless powered his way to the Heard County 1-yard line.

With fourth down and goal to go on the 1-yard line, Bowdon coughed up the ball and Heard County recovered, stopping the Red Devil drive.

After gaining some breathing room yardage, Heard County quarterback Santez Emory completed a pass to Martez Winston resulting in a 46-yard gain.

The Braves, though, would also fumble on the 1-yard line, giving possession back to the Red Devils. The first quarter ended with both teams scoreless.

Neither team would actually score until late in the second quarter.

After a Red Devil drive was stopped with 1:43 left in the opening half, Bowdon’s punt attempt ended with the punter being tackled. The Braves took over first-and-goal on Bowdon’s 8-yard line, setting up an Emory touchdown pass to Jaquay Williams moments later. The PAT was off the mark, making it 6-0 at the half.

The second half was set up where each team had the balls for eight minutes each.

The Red Devils would get their lone score when Avery Cheeks slipped through the Heard County defensive unit for a touchdown. Bowdon would take a 7-6 lead following the successful extra-point kick.

Heard County worked on mostly passing with its eight minutes.

Emory completed a pass that went for 64 yards on the Braves’ scoring play, resulting in Heard County’s second touchdown of the night to make it 13-7.