Red Devil Tales - Stories from Our History

The BBF Wedding

Vernon Wilson was the Red Devil manager in high school. He saw they needed a kicker, so he worked hard and became the Devils' placekicker. After graduation, he volunteered as chief manager during practices and games. Nothing could have been more fitting for Vernon than to get married on Buddy Bufford Field. On June 18, 2011, he and Kim Poss tied the knot on the 50-yard-line about a few hundred fans watching. Mini footballs emblazoned with wedding info was thrown to the fans. The reception at a First Assembly of God continued the football theme, with artificial turf with the LC star. Vernon helped with the Red Devils from 1980 through 2015 - 36 years and thousands of volunteer hours.

Cold nights in Georgia

Over the years, the Devils have played many games on cold Georgia nights. These are some of the more memorable: - Model - 1979 Class AA state title game there - lost 24-21 - Mary Persons - 1979 Class AA state semifinals there - won - Coosa - 1961 Class B state title game at Sanford Stadium - lost 21-0 - Wilcox County - 19xx playoff game at home - won

Rainy nights in Georgia

Over the years, the Devils have played many games in the rain. The 1976 season was particularly wet! These are some of the more memorable: - Buford - 1976 state title game there - LC won 6-0 - Charlton County - 1976 quarterfinals there - LC won 33-0 - Wrens - 1976 regular season there - LC won 28-6 - Johnson County - there -

I don't know him!

On a rainy night in Lexington, the Devils were struggling against the Oglethorpe County Patriots. More of the officials' calls seem to be going against the Devils, and the Devil bench was getting a bit testy. A visitor on the Devil sideline told the officials to just let the kids play. The flag came flying, and cost the Devils 15 yards. Coach Larry Campbell explained to the official that he didn't know the gentleman that made the comment, and therefore his team shouldn't be penalized. They didn't buy it. The person making the comment to the officials was a former Red Devil assistant but went on to be an official for a few years.

Can't get much closer

Until about 1970, the clock operator at Buddy Bufford Field was situated on a metal platform above the home bench, on one of the light poles that stood between the field and the bleachers. The announced was on the top row of the stands. The "white" press box improved both those situations.

Unique pylons

For many years, the orange pylons around the endzones at Buddy Bufford Field were unique. Coach Larry Campbell put the year and score of the Devils' state championship game wins on the pylons (one each).

Devil-mobile

Frank Guillebeau was always a huge supporter of the Red Devils, from his playing days, while he chaired the booster club, and until his final days. In the 1970s, with some painted and a sign, he made his old "fishing car" into the Devil-Mobile, and would drive around town promoting the Devils. For a few years, before the current home stands were built, the car would drive across the field to lead the Devils onto the field for the opening kickoff.

Just a few stitches

Dr. Weems Pennington was a great town doctor, school supporter, and team booster. One incident really puts an exclamation point on this. In the early 1960s, a Red Devils player came out of the game with a bad cut on one of his eyebrows. Doc headed to the bench, grabbed his bag, and had the player sit. Doc stitched up the cut and sent the player back in the game after missing only a play or two. That player was Weems Pennington II, who became a leading cardiologist in Augusta. His son Weems III is a leading cardiologist in Aiken SC.

It's not my knee, Coach

Coach Thomas Bunch told his players during pre-season workouts that if they took a blow to a certain sensitive body area during a game, they should grab their knee instead of that body area. A Red Devil took a blow below the belt and went down on the field. Coach Bunch and others ran out to check on him, as he was grabbing his knee in pain. The Coach asked him how bad his knee was hurt, and the player managed to gasp that it wasn't his knee, and he would be ok in a couple of minutes. He returned to the game a short time later.

Cannon a short-lived LC tradition

Larry Campbell's brother-in-law built a small cannon-type device to be used before kickoffs. That contraption wasn't very big, but it sure packed a big punch. The first time it was fired at Buddy Bufford Field as a test, some in town thought there had been an earthquake or explosion. Lincoln County supporters would put the cannon near the 50, and fire it just before kickoff. That worked well for a while, but then they weren't careful with it one evening. They didn't notice that the officials were a bit too close when they pulled the firing string. We don't know exactly what was said, but that cannon hasn't been on the field since.

Running the Misbehavior Out

A few years back, two players were fighting to settle a disagreement. Coach Larry Campbell didn't put up with such lack of discipline, so he had them start running - in full pads and helmet. After several laps he allowed them to remove their helmets on the hot day. After a while longer, he let them drop their pads. After about an hour total, he stopped them and asked if they would be fighting any more. "No sir" came the quick, polite answer from each of them. Problem solved, and they got in some exercise as well.